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ESTHER AND 

HARBONAH 



H.PEREIRA MENDE:S 



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ESTHER AND 
HARBONAH 



BY 



H. PEREIRA MENDES 




BOSTON: THE GORHAM PRESS 

TORONTO : THE COPP CLARK CO., LIMITED 



COPYKIGHT, 191 7, BY H. PeREIRA MeNDES 



All Rights Reserved i\ 






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Made in the United States of America 



The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 

NOV -I 1917 

©CI.D 482:^a 



WHY I WROTE AND WHY I PUBLISH 
THIS PLAY 

Nearly forty years have passed since I wrote 
this play. I wrote it for my young people, for the 
cause of religious Loyalty, to keep them strong 
therein. 

To-day other problems are forced upon our at- 
tention, some of them emphasized by the great War. 
Among them are social and religious questions, such 
as religious loyalty which keeps Protestant sects 
apart from each other, antagonizes Catholic, 
Greek Church and Protestant, and frowns upon 
intermarriage. Religious loyalty is one of 
the chief features of the Bible-book upon which 
this play is based. Hence the condemnation 
of intermarriage in two scenes of the play. And 
it is highly probable that the racial, social and 
religious asperities, prejudices, hatreds, etc., which 
will naturally be the aftermath of the present War, 
will bring forward the problem of removal of Jew- 
ish disabilities in lands where disabilities exist, and 
above all, the question, "Who shall have Pales- 
tine," when the future of Syria shall engage the 
great Powers' attention. 

Hence Harbonah's earnest championship of the 
Jewish people, and his presentation of the high 
ideals of law and order, love, chastity and industry, 
for which the Jews have stood throughout all the 
centuries, thus earning the right to receive the con- 
sideration of the world. 

Religious growths, thought-growths, all growths, 
must vary. Variation is God's own Law. There 
is room for all, provided they injure not. There 
is something good and something useful in all. Our 
problem is to e-ducate, i. e., lead it out. In all, 



4 Why I Wrote and Why I Publish This Play 

there may be, there will be, elements of danger, for 
everything that is good can be perverted to w\\zt 
is bad. In truth, what pages are more shameful 
in all human history than the pages recording re- 
ligious persecution from the witch-killing of Prot- 
estant New England to the cruel Inquisition of 
the Catholic and the infernal Pogrom of the Greek- 
Church, in the name of Religion! 

An adjustment of uncompromising religious loy- 
alty, with a certain toleration of other people's 
opinions, — this and what I have stated above, are 
among the reasons why I wrote and why I now 
publish this play. 

If this presentation of the old familiar Bible- 
story of Esther shall awaken religious loyalty in 
the hearts of any, especially where intermarriage 
is concerned ; if it shall inspire the souls of any 
men and women who happen to read it, with a 
firm Faith in that over-ruling Providence in the af- 
fairs of men, which, by the shuttle of the Divine 
Will that flies to and fro through the eternities, 
weaves the man-made tangles, knots, breaks and 
frayings into something of a pattern Divine; if 
it shall create in thinking minds a better under- 
standing of the love for Law and Order, Justice 
and Righteousness for which Jewish history has 
ever stood, and for which the very Founder of 
the Jewish race and religion was Divinely quick- 
ened; if it shall stir the hearts of the Jews and 
Jewesses of to-day to continue their proud tradi- 
tions of the past and prove that still there are 
those who will dare and do and, if need be, die for 
their religion, my writing and publishing this play 
will be justified. 

Above all, my labor, a labor of love, will indeed 
be blessed. 

H. Pereira Mendes. 



HISTORICAL AND LITERARY NOTES 

The play itself is founded on the Bible-Book of 
Esther, with suggestions from Xenophon ^ and 
Herodotus,^ the Greek Historians of that era; the 
Apocrypha, Medrashim or Legends two thousand 
years old, etc. A study of the Bible-Book and 
of these Traditions reveals a religious loyalty on 
the part of Esther that cannot be overlooked. 

Esther, a Jewess, marries Ahasuerus, a heathen. 

Nevertheless, as the Bible record states, she risks 
her life to save her people^ She further obtains 
concessions for them from the King, a capricious 
tyrant, practically subverting his decree for their 
extermination. 

Tradition further illustrates her loyalty by tell- 
ing us that Mordecai concealed her for four years 
from the King's officers, whose duty was to gather 
all the maidens from among whom the King was 
to select his new queen. This indicates her un- 
willingness to be in contact with Persian Court- 
life, with all its viciousness and danger. 

Tradition further points out that when she was 
Queen in the royal palace she refused the meals 
brought to her by Hegai, the royal superintendent 
of the women, and lived entirely on vegetable food, 
even as Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, noble 
Jewish captives, in the Court of Nebuchadnezzar,^ 
and for the same reason, namely, conscientious re- 

^ Cf. Cyropoedia, in re Gorgias. 
'Herodotus vii, 35, 37, 39', ix, io8. 
• Cf . Dan. I, 8. 



6 Historical and Literary Notes 

ligfous loyalty to the Jewish dietary laws. 

Her personal attendants were seven Jewish maid- 
ens on whose conscientiousness she could depend. 
She gave them new names, Hulta, Rokita, Genu- 
nita, Nehorita, Rukshita, Hurfita, Regoita, names 
reminding her by their meaning of the seven days 
of creation, including Sabbath, and therefore assur- 
ing a weekly reminder of the Sabbath, which, even 
in the royal palace, she insisted upon observing as 
holy. And it is further stated that Mordecai's daily 
visit to the palace-gate was to give her any religious 
instruction she might need, besides, as the Bible- 
book declares, "to know of Esther's welfare and 
what was being done unto her." 

Traditions of this kind are useful as echoes of 
history, or as folk-lore. The fact is that Esther 
had no alternative but to obey the royal decree to 
appear with all other maidens at the palace. For 
a King who had not hesitated to send his queen 
away, and who later deliberately consigned a whole 
race, men, women and children, to death on one 
day, would never have hesitated to seize any recal- 
citrant maiden and deprive her of her liberty, honor 
or life. 

We may be very sure, therefore, that Esther 
went unwillingly to the royal palace, and was "a 
Jewess at heart," though she had to conceal her re- 
ligion in her public life. 

It is stated in the Book of Esther that all the 
men and women of her race in Shushan had suffi- 
cient loyalty to fast as they did; and that through- 
out the whole kingdom the Jews fasted and 
mourned, with no record of cowardly conversion. 
This shows that Jewish loyalty was not dead. 

Not less is Mordecai's Jewish patriotism indica- 
tive of religious loyalty as having been the environ- 
ment in which Esther had been reared and edu- 



Historical and Literary Notes 7 

cated. 

These facts afford me the opportunity to make 
her and her companions express loyalty to the re- 
ligion of their fathers and abhorrence of intermar- 
riage into which she was forced. (See Act I, Scene 
I, Act II, Scene I, and Appendix, Note on Inter- 
marriage. 

Ahasuerus is generally identified with Xerxes, 
king of Persia (485-465 B. C. E.), who invaded 
Greece and fought Thermopylae and Salamis, and 
whose wife, according to Plerodotus, was Am-estris. 
The date-intervals in the Book of Esther correspond 
with the date-intervals of the Grecian expedition. 

Harbonah's intense hatred of Haman I base 
upon the Book of Esther, Ch. VII, verse 9, where 
at a most critical moment he secures the immediate 
execution of Haman. He and Haman, earlier 
known as Mehuman or Memuchan (I, 10, 14), 
were associate dignitaries, "serving in the presence" 
or "beholding the face" of the king. 

The wholesale massacre ordered by Ahasuerus 
is not without historic analogy. Alexander of 
Macedon ordered a massacre of the Tyrians (334 
B.C.E.) : Mithridates ordered the murder of all 
Romans and Italians in his dominion, male and fe- 
male (84 B.C.E.) — 80,000 to 150,000 were slain. 
Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain deliberately ex- 
pelled the Jews to the number of 300,000 to 600,- 
000 (1492), while the Inquisition slew, tortured or 
expelled or imprisoned over a million (according 
to Llorente). The massacre of St. Bartholomew 
(1572) cost the lives of some 2,000 in Paris and 
80,000 to 100,000 in the provinces. Louis XIV of 
France drove out several hundred thousand Prot- 
estants (1685) through his dragonnades and the 
revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Though these 
numbers, quoted from authorities, are mere esti- 



8 Historical and Literary Notes 

mates, they are sufficiently significant. 

Spiegel ^ gives a very mild judgment concerning 
Xerxes, though emphasizing his waywardness ; but 
Keil points out that Greek and Roman authors are 
unanimous in their portrait of Xerxes as a riotous, 
licentious monarch and an extremely cruel tyrant, — 
a character which quite fits Ahasuerus. He says: 

"Xerxes was the despot who, after the wealthy 
Lydian, Pythius, had most richly entertained the 
Persian army In Its march against Greece and had 
offered an immense sum of money as a contribution 
to the costs of the war, on his making a petition to 
have the oldest of his five sons then in the army 
given to him as a solace for his old age, became 
so enraged that he caused his son asked for to be 
cut in pieces, laid the pieces on both sides of the 
way, and ordered his army to march through be- 
tween them; the tyrant who caused the heads of 
those who built the pontoon-bridge over the Helles- 
pont to be cut off because a storm had destroyed 
the bridge, and ordered the sea to be lashed with 
whips and bound with chains sunk under the 
waves; the debauchee who, after his return from 
Greece, sought to crown the vexation of his shame- 
ful defeat by means of sensuality and revelry." ^ 

Such a frantic tyrant is capable of all that Is re- 
lated of Ahasuerus In the Bible-book of Esther. 

* Eranischen Alterthumskunde (II, p. 402). 
"Herodotus, VII, 37-39; Seneca, de Ira, VII, 17). 
Herodotus (VII, 35; Herodotus, IX, 108, 599). 



DRAMATIS PERSONAE 



young Hebrews of Shushan and friends of 
David. 



MoRDECAi, a wealthy Hebrew of Shushan, uncle 

and guardian of Esther, 
Ahasuerus, King of Persia and Media. 
Memucan or Haman, first chamberlain to the 

king. 
Harbonah, second chamberlain to the king. 
BiZTHA, third chamberlain. 
David, the lover of Hadassah. 

KiSH, 
ASHER, 

Saul, 

Tfrr ' L^^c^^s of the gate and hired by Memu- 
T. 4- ' I can as assassins. 

NARGAr'}'"''"''"^' "* Harbonah. 
Hatach, chamberlain to the Queen. 
Captain of the guard. 
Speaker of Jewish deputation. 
Arbanahal 

(Willow-of-the-Brook) 
Tamar 

(Palm), 

SOSANA 

(Rose), 
Bataina 

(Apple of the Eye), 
Zaphra 

(Birdie), 



early companions of 
Hadassah. 



lO Dramatis Persona 

Hadassah or Esther, ward of Mordecai, after- 
wards Queen of Persia. 

Myrrhine, companion of Hadassah, afterwards 
Esther's attendant in the Palace. 

Zerdatha (Diadem-of-the-Law), attendant of 
Esther in the Palace. 

Immi (Mother mine), Esther's foster-mother and 
Palace-companion. 

Courtiers, Ushers, Guards, Pages, Scribes, Trump- 
eters, Deputation of Hebrews, Processions 
(can be omitted). 

Choruses: (a) Young men and maidens, (b) of 
courtiers, (c) of mob off the stage, (d) of 
Hebrew deputation, (e) royal choir ofE the 
stage. 

Scenery 

Act I, Scene I, Reception-room in Mordecai's house. 
Act I, Scene H, Outskirts of Shushan. 
Act 2, Scene I, Reception-room in Mordecai's house. 
Act 3, Scene I, King's reception-chamber. 
Act 3, Scene H, Esther's apartment in the palace. 
Act 3, Scene HI, King's reception-chamber. 
Act 3, Scene IV, King's bed-chamber. 
Act 3, Scene V, King's reception-chamber, banquet 
chamber in rear. 



MUSIC 

Act I. Scene I 

1. Chorus, "Though Persia's Dales." 

2. "The Birth of Love." 

3. Song: "Knowest Thou the Land?" 

4. Chorus: Paraphrase of the song of Moses. 

5. Chorus: "Hail, O Sister!" 

6. Chorus: "She sits as enchanted!" 

7. "By Babel's Streams." 

8. Chorus. Prayer: Is there danger o'er us pend- 

9. Finale, Chorus: "Away, Thou Traitor." 

Act I. Scene II 

1. Song: "I Hear the Thrush." 

2. Prayer. Chorus: As the hart by hounds is 

hunted. 

Act II 

1. Song: "The Zephyr and the Rose-bud." 

2. Chorus: "Lo, How Awful Is the Emotion!" 

3. Chorus. Prayer: Hearken to Thy sons offend- 

ing. 

Act III. Scene I 

1. Chorus: "All hail of earthly kings the first." 

2. Chorus (mob outside) : "Down with the Jews." 

3. Chorus of Hebrew Deputation: "Father in 

Heaven, in anguish we cry." 
II 



12 Music 

4. Chorus (mob outside) : "The ravens shall glut 
on the feast to be spread." 

Act III. Scene II 

1. The Queen's Choir: "O hearken" (Psalm 49). 

2. The Queen's Choir: "Fret not thyself because of 

the evil-doers" (Psalm 37). 

3. The Queen's Choir: "I lift up mine eyes to the 

mountain whence cometh my help" (Psalm 
123). 

4. The Queen's Choir: "He is our God, our Savior 

He!" 

Act III. Scene III 
I. Chorus of Courtiers: "All hail of earthly kings." 

Act III. Scene IV 

I. Royal Choir. Quartette and Chorus: "Angel of 
rest, spread thy wings o'er us mortals." 

Act III. Scene V 
I. Concluding Chorus: "Ye nations all." 



ESTHER AND HARBONAH 



ACT I 

Scene I 

Reception room in Mordecais house. Young 
men and maidens assembled sing following chorus 
before and while the curtain is drawn up. 

Chorus. Though Persia's Dales. 

Though Persia's dales be fresh and lovely 
'Neath her sky so bright and fair, 

Though meads and groves be sweetly scented 
Nought with Zion can compare! 

Her roses blush, her streamlets murmur, 

Velvet clothes her ev'ry hill — 
But though her glories melt in beauty, 

Zion is more lovely still! 

Sosana 

What keeps our sister? Strange she sleeps 
So long on this her birthday morn! I ween 
Her dreams are sweet! — She lingers 'neath their 

spell 
Beyond the usual hour! Here comes Myrrhine! 

{Enter Myrrhine) 
Myrrhine, has not thy mistress wakened yet? 
Go, watch and let us know without delay 
13 



14 Esther and Harbonah 

Of e'en a moment, when her eyes unlock 
Their brightness to the kiss of morning light! {Exit 
Myrrhine) 

Arbanahal 

Sosana, if aright the rumor be, 

The morning light hath rivals who would fain 

Salute the brightness which in Esther's eyes 

Is throned; aye, bask for ever there, content 

To let the swiftly passing hours fade 

In one unending dream of happiness! 

Zaphra 

What meanest thou? {To her companions) Sweet 

Arbanahal speaks 
As if that mystic pow'r which men call love 
Were a reality, and not as I 
Believe, a fancy — used for poet's theme, 
A mere invention which does not exist! 

Song. The Birth of Love 
{One of the Maidens) 

When Adam lived in loneliness black shadows 
wreathed his heart; 
Some sounds — "lost chords" — he'd heard in 
Heaven mocked his memory! 
The light was dimmed, earth's beauty gone, all joy 
seemed to depart — 
E'en hope was dead and nought but gloom for 
him there seemed to be! 

"O Joy, O Hope, O Life's sweet Light, 
Do ye exist for me?" 
And crying thus he slept the night 
In dream's sweet ecstasy! 

Ah! Shall I whisper what he dreamed that night 
in Eden's glade? 



Act I 15 

He dreamed an angel dropped a gem from Heav- 
en's vault above; 
It touched his heart, it nestled there; to flesh it 
turned and made 

A vv^oman's form — then breathed and — there 
stood Eve for him to love! 

"O Joy, O Hope, O Life's sweet Light! 
I know you now!" he cried. 
The gloom had fled, all earth was bright, 
For Love was at his side! 



Tamar 

Yes, Zaphra, thou art right! Love is a dream! 
But tell me! Yestern eve I noticed well, 
When Isaac, son of Ezra, took his leave 
And pressed thy hand, he took some time to say 
"Good night!" And though thine ej^es were 

drooped, thy face 
Was flushed, as if the bloom of Sharon's rose 
Thy cheek encarnadined ! Five times he said 
"Good night!" — so loath he seemed to leave thy 

side ! 
And when he went, thy glances followed his 
Retreating form! {Mockingly) But yet of course, 

this thing 
Which men call love, is but a fancy, used 
For poet's theme, and not reality. 

Sosana 
For shame, Tamar, for Zaphra blushes now! 

Arbanahal 

Let's change the subject. Girls like us know nought 
Of love! Girls never do! Come, Zaphra, sing 



1 6 Esther and Harbonah 

The song you sang the other night so well — 
Of memories of Palestine. 

Tamar 

Yes, sing! 
We'll join, for truly 'tis a Hebrew song 
To wake the echoes of the Hebrew heart! 

Song. Knowest Thou the Land? 
I 

Knowest thou the land 

Where Lebanon's great cedars proudly toss their 
mighty branches, 
And the sun, declining, bathes in glory Carmel 
by the sea, 
Where Jordan winds and glides beside the glades 
and glens of Gilead, 
And the moonbeams kiss the wavelets on the lakes 
of Galilee? 

Chorus: 'Tis the land of the Hebrew, his heart's 
sole delight, 
No joy can her sons ever know, 
For their thought by the day and their 
dream by the night 
Is Zion alone in her woe! 
For their thought by the day and their 
dream by the night 
Is Zion alone in her woe! 

II 

Knowest thou the land 

Where vineyards are empurpled with the heavy 
drooping cluster. 
And the rustling of the golden grain makes mu- 
sic sweet to hear, 



Act I 17 

Where verdant pastures stud the land from Dan 
unto Beersheba, 
But where ruins of the temple wake the heart 
and call the tear? 

Chorus: 'Tis the land of the Hebrew, his heart's 
sole delight, 
No joy can her sons ever know. 
For their thought by the day and their 
dream by the night 
Is Zion alone in her woe! 
For their thought by the day and their 
dream by the night 
Is Zion alone in her woe! 



Ill 

God protect the land! 

The foeman's sword may drive us forth to die, or 
pine in dungeon. 
And the mocking of the nations Judah's children 
long may be! 
But on the day that sees us false, may Heaven's 
light be hidden. 
Our tongues be stilled, our hearts be hushed, be- 
fore we're false to thee! 

Chorus: O thou land of our fathers, our hearts' 
sole delight! 
No joy can thy sons ever know, 
For our thought by the day and our dream 
by the night 
Art thou, Zion, lonely in woe! 
For our thought by the day and our dream 
by the night 
Art thou, Zion, lovely, in woe! 



1 8 Esther and Harbonah 

{Or omit Verse II, and add instead after Verse III) 

God Inspire our hearts 

To wake the world to wage the war for Righteous- 
ness and Justice! 
Like stars, to lead the thoughts of man to Him 
enthroned above; 
And like the sand, the waves withstand of human 
sin and error; 
Like dust of Earth, to bring to birth the growths 
of Truth and Love! 

Chorus: O thou land of our fathers, our hearts' 
sole delight! 
Through thee shall all mankind be 
blessed ! 
For the thoughts and the dreams of thy 
prophets shall right 
Earth's wrongs — and the Earth be at 
rest! 
For the thoughts and the dreams of thy 
prophets shall right 
Earth's wrongs — and the Earth be at 
rest! 

Bataina 

Come, friends, we must not sing of woe to-day, 
'Tis day of joy! Let's sing of Faith in God, 
Of hope reborn, redemption, aye, why not 
Sing Moses' song and thus anticipate 
Deliv'rance from a second Egypt's yoke? 

Chorus. {Can be omitted^ in which case omit pre- 
ceding speech of Bataina.) 
Chorus. His Triumph Is Glorious! 



Act I 19 

{Paraphrase of the Song of Moses. Exod. xv.) 

Maidens 

Sins: to the Lord, for His triumph is glorious, 
Warhorse and rider are cast in the sea! 

My strength and my song is the Lord, the victori- 
ous, 
Savior of Israel's children is He! 

Young Men 

The chariots of Pharaoh are sunk in the w^ave, 
His chieftains of choice are in Suph overthrown, 

Engulfed by the billows the depths are their grave. 
In Suph's great abysses they sink like a stone! 

Both 

Who of the mighty is like Thee, O Lord? 

Who is there like Thee, glorious Lord? 
Grand in Thy holiness, awful in praise! 

Wondrously working! — O be Thou adored! 
Build Thou Thy fane where all mankind shall cry 

"Be Thy Name and Thy Kingdom established for 



aye!" 



Arbanahal 



Enough, good friends; the time is passing. Why 
Does Esther sleep so long to-day? We come 
To greet the queen of all our hearts. I say 
Of all. Good David, dost thou think with me? 

Saul 

Let David be, sweet sister! Thou'rt unkind 
To rally him. But never yet I met 
Young maidens in each other's company 
But sure some mischief was afoot! 



20 Esther and Harbonah 

Bataina 

Indeed ! 
Thou shalt repent thy words! We learn that man 
Was not complete until a woman graced 
The world, so dark for him without her smile! 
Thou owest much to us, I think! And now 
To say that mischief rules when maidens meet! 
For shame! Ingratitude, thy name is man! 

{Saul shrugs his shoulders, all laugh at him.) 

Kish 

Stay, stay, good sister, not so fast! We learn 

That Adam slept while woman first was made, 

Implying that if he had been awake 

And in possession of his faculties, 

He might have made objection, and declared 

That he preferred in single blessedness 

To live! 

Tamar 

What, Kish! Thou most discourteous man! 
'Tis written that he found no helpmate there 
'Mong all creation. This implies he looked! 
One never looks except for what he wants! 
Then why should Adam look unless he felt 
The want of what he sought? In truth he knew 
His happiness was incomplete, until 
He saw good mother Eve, earth's last and best 
Created form, there standing at his side! 
And, sir, his satisfaction is expressed; 
What more would'st have? — Art answered? 

Saul 

Aye, I think 
He is! A man were brave to fight a maid 



Act 1 21 

With maiden's dart which Nature gives, — the 

tongue ! 
But let me add 'tis not by any means 
The first occasion when a man succumbed 
To woman's talk! — Good father Adam first 
Gave way, — then why not I? 

Sosana 

Why hear him! — Sir, 
Dost in our faces fling the first reproach? 

David 

No, no, we must not turn this Paradise 

We now enjoy to scene of discord! {Aside) 'Tis 

strange 
She sleeps so long! {Enter Myrrhine) 

Ah, here's Myrrhine at last! 

Myrrhine 

My mistress wakes, and now she comes from out 
Her sleeping chamber. 

{All rise) 

Myrrhine 

{Aside) May the kind fates guard 

Her fortune! — Never have I seen her rise 
As on this most auspicious day! So strange 
Her manner, so distraught her look, she seems 
Another being, as unlike herself 
As night from day! No smiles now flit across 
Her winsome face, like Heaven's light! Instead 
'Tis shaded by a gloomy look! And when 
I greeted her and wished her many days 



22 Esther and Harbonah 

She heard me not, nor asked for Mordecai 
As is her wont! — So absent-minded, when 
By chance her glances rested on the gifts 
Upon her table strewn, she seemed as if 
She saw them not. No word escaped her lips! 
She dressed herself as if possessed by thoughts 
Which drove all things of earth from out her 

mind! {Looking out, R.) 
She comes! Great Heavens! What a change ! 

Zaphra 
(Looking out, R.) Now, friends, 

Be all prepared — her curtain moves — she comes! 

Chorus. ''Hail, O Sister!" 

Hail, O Sister! Hail the morn! 
Honored be this happy day, 
Blessed be it from its dawn. 
Heaven guard thee, thus we pray! 

May thy lot be many years. 
Each as happy as this day. 
Free from sorrow, free from cares! 
Heaven bless thee, thus we pray! 

(Towards the end of the first verse of this chorus 
Esther enters, passes sloivly in front without 
noticing. She sits on a couch, L. C, as if 
buried in thought.) 

Myrrhine 
(Coming forward) 

Alas, my mistress, once no bird so blithe 
As she! No music sweeter than her laugh! 
No sunshine brighter than her smile! But now! 
In one night changed! (Cries) O woe, unhappy 
day! 



Act I 23 

David 

{Advancing and kneeling at her side) 

Song. Esther, Hear Us! 

Esther, hear us. O sad fortune! 

Evil spirits have possessed thee! 
Do but look and smile upon us — 

What is it that hath distressed thee? 
Darling, darling, do but answer! 

What is it that hath distressed thee? 

{Chorus Softly) "She Sits as Enchanted." 

She sits as enchanted, unconscious of all! 
What shadows upon her are destined to fall? 
May Heaven protect her and give her this day 
Assistance, and chase all misfortune away! 

Zaphra 

What mystery enchants her? Shall we send 
For Mordecai? 

Myrrhine 

Alas, he tarries still 
At Memucan's! 

Zaphra 

My heart is faint with pain 
To thus behold her! {Kneels, takes Esther s hand.) 

Esther dearest, look! 
Thy Zaphra speaks to thee! Thou dost not hear? 
{Esther unconsciously plays with Zaphra's hair.) 
Ah! Now thou'rt coming to thyself again! 
O Hadassah, sweet myrtle mine, we come 
On this, thy birthday morn, to greet thee! — Look! 

{Esther looks at her.) 



24 Esther and Harbonah 

Thy Zaphra waits thy smile! See, David too, 
Is with us! Hast thou not a word for him? 

{Esther kisses her forehead.) 
Speak, Esther darling, all thy friends are here! 

Saul 

Let's sing an old familiar song! Perhaps 
The melody will rouse her, — one she loves! 

Sosana 

Yes, let us try. 'Twas only yester-night 

She sang "By Babel's streams" at Zaphra's house. 

Her fav'rite song! 

David, or Whoever Sings the Song 

{Sits at Esther s feet; the rest group round. The 
singer is handed a lyre by Myrrhine and says, 
'Til sing if you will join.'') 

Song. "By Babel's Streams" 
{Paraphrase of Psalm 137) 

I 

By Babel's streams we sat, we wept, 
For Zion's mem'ry cannot fade! 
We hung the harp whose music slept 
On willows, 'neath whose solemn shade 
We talked of Zion's glory! 

Chorus 

We talked of Zion's glory! 
We dreamed of Zion's glory! 
Where willows cast their solemn shade 
We wept for Zion's glory! 



Act I 25 

II 

The captor cruel mocked the sigh 
And bade us sing of Zion's songs, 
With breaking hearts we made reply 
"To Zion's land alone belongs 
The sound of Zion's glory!" 

Chorus 

The sound of Zion's glory, 
The songs of Zion's glory. 
To Zion's land alone belong 
The songs of Zion's glory. 

Ill 

How can we from the harp-string wake 

In stranger's land the sacred lay? 

Each harp-string, aye, our hearts would break 

Before our fingers would obey, 

For dimmed is Zion's glory! 

Chorus 

For dimmed is Zion's glory; 
Alas for Zion's glory! 
The heart and hand will not obey, 
For lost is Zion's glory! 

IV 

O Salem! If thy sacred land 
Forgotten be, if false we prove, 
May mem'ry fail, — may palsied hand 
And dastard tongues refuse to move 
If we forget thy glory! 



26 Esther and Harbonah 

Chorus 

If we forget thy glory, 

If we forget thy glory, 

May mem'ry, — aye, may life depart 

'Fore we forget thy glory! 

{Esther covers her face with her hand and weeps 
during the last verse.) 

Esther 

Good friends, I know not what it is that moves 

My heart on what should be a happy day! 

Strange thoughts invade my mind and all is lost 

In one absorbing mem'ry of a dream 

Which seized my faculties throughout the night. 

And came again, again, a thousand times. 

Each time with strength ten-fold intensified! 

I am persuaded that a mystic fate 

Is working on my destiny and I 

Am helpless, — more, that if I could arrest 

Its course to leave me free, I would not, — no. 

Not e'en for all the gold Shushan hath stored! 

— What fate it is that binds me now so fast 

I know not! All I know is that I am 

Its willing slave, — the rest I leave to God! 

David 

Dear Esther, Hadassah, what is the dream 
Which thus hath moved thee? Let me hear. 

Mayhap 
'Tis but a flitting fan,cy and its spell 
Will pass away while thou recountest! 



Esther 
Dear David, no! I am no longer what 



No! 



Act I 27 

I was, this dream hath changed me! Now I am 
But as an instrument beneath the spell 
Of some Almighty Influence. — I feel 
A destiny awaits me! Oh, the thought 
Impels the blood through ev'ry vein with speed 
Of light! — I lose all consciousness of self! 
All things of Earth around me glide away 
And leave me here, with none to aid, e'en like 
A straw beneath a torrent's might, a reed 
'Fore blasts the mightiest that ever rent 
The oaks they tell of in the land of Macedoigne 
Which brave the anger of their skies, strike firm 
Their roots in earth, and bid the tempest fierce 
Do what it list! And when 'tis over passed, 
Lie prone, uprooted, humbled on the ground! 
So I, I have no strength to stand against 
The mighty pow'r which sways me at its will! 
I am resigned! I bend my head and let 
The unknown force do with me what it will! 
And now my dream was this. — {All move as if 
listening attentively.) 

Methought I heard 
The rushing winds blow fiercely o'er the meads 
That lay at foot of Persia's lofty peaks. 
The sky grew dark. Portentous clouds I saw 
Amass around the highest peaks of all. 
They moved across the lea, hung thick and black 
With thunder charged, with angry flashing streams 
Of molten fire suspended; and it seemed 
As if its fiercest fury was to pour 
Upon the low^ly meads; — as if the hills, 
So lofty and so huge, made war upon 
The fields which humbly crouched beneath their 

feet! 
When suddenly the raging blasts were hushed; 
The air became oppressive and the noise 
Of distant angry peals alone was heard ! 



28 Esther and Harbonah 

The very birds rushed silent to their nests! 

The very beasts sought shelter where they could I 

And silence reigned, most awful! Aye, my heart 

To beat seemed frightened, lest it should disturb 

The scene's solemnity! I scarcely breathed! 

My ev'ry limb was trembling as I gazed 

Upon the lurid light that lit the gloom! 

No word I spoke! All nature seemed so awed 

That even foliage ceased its rustling sound! 

Then lo! The leaves upon a myrtle moved 

As if they prayed to God to help the meek! — 

— I know not how it was! — I saw them move, 

Like human lips, to Heaven turned! Forthwith 

As if their pray'r was answered, all the clouds 

Were swiftly moved beyond the mighty hills! 

I woke and silently I prayed to know 

The meaning hidden 'neath the wondrous dream. 

At last I heard a voice upon me call, 

"Thou art the humble myrtle, Esther, thou, 

The myrtle, — Hadassah — the myrtle, thou!" 

And Hadassah I am, — The myrtle — aye, 

And born to hurl the threat'ning clouds from o'er 

The lowly meads which seem to crouch before 

The lordly mounts! — What mean the meads? 

What mean 
The mounts? I know not! But my heart misgives 
Me when, as now, we lowly crouch and cringe 
Before the Persian proud who scorns the race 
Of Jacob's sons! If storms be coming, black 
With Persia's hatred, doomed to burst upon 
The head of our devoted nation, I {Advances) 
Will dare the tyrant! If I perish, then 
I perish! 'Tis my mission! Come the worst, 
Ye storm clouds, I, the humble myrtle, I 
Will break your strength, with Heaven's aid! 
Come, fate ! Come, fate ! Thy will shall be obeyed I 



Act I 09 

Chorus. Prayer 



Is there danger o'er us pending? 
Lord, then bring Thy children aid! 
Lo, to Thee the race offending 
Prayeth, be Thine anger stayed ! 

II 

Save us, Father, grant Thy mercy, 
Though we walk in sinful ways! 
Yea! Thy mercy faileth never! 
For Thy pardon Jacob prays! 

Myrrhine 

(Looking out) Look, good Mordecai is here and 

with 
A Persian stranger! (Aside) Would he were 

alone ! 
Keep silence pray! — Of all the strange events 
Speak not a word! Indeed, he loves her so, 
That if he thought she saddened e'en, he'd know 
No peace of mind by day or night! I pray 
Be careful not to say or hint a word! 

(Enter Mordecai and Memucan, R.) 

Mordecai 

My children, welcome on this happy morn! 

(To Esther) My darling, Heaven keep thee on this 

day! 
May choicest blessings be upon thee show'red 
And happiness be thine; no sorrow cast 
Its baleful shadow o'er thy coming years. 



30 Esther and Harbonah 

Nor aught prevent thy life from being passed 
Amid the sunshine of unending joys! 

Esther 

I thank thee for thy wishes. How can I 
Find words enough to thank thee for a tithe 
Of all that goodness thou hast heaped on me, — 
An orphan, thrown upon thy loving care? 
I cannot show my gratitude, except 
By words that feebly indicate it, yet 
I'd give thee what is said to bring the grace 
Of Heaven on the heads of those who take 
A father and a mother's place, — the love 
Devoted, undivided, aye, whole-souled. 
From out an orphan's heart, didst thou not have 
It long ago! (Kneels and kisses his hand.) 

Mordecai 

I know it, dearest child ! 
My life's delight! I find a blessing far 
Beyond all price in sunshine which thy face 
Forever brings! But here is Memucan, 
Of Persia's nobles one of highest rank. 
Entreating introduction to my ward, 
{Mockingly) To pay his duty most respectful! 

{Aside) O 
I trust his condescending impudence 
Will have the stinging check his arrogance 
Deserves ! 

{Memucan salutes Esther and leads her to the 
couch) 

Saul 

'Tis something new for one of rank 
To honor humble Jew's assemblage! 



Act I 31 

Zaphra 

Well! 
I know what welcome he would have from me! 



I wonder if he ofttimes visits here! 
'Tis dangerous for Hebrews to permit 
A stranger of an alien faith to come 
So freely in their family! It breaks 
The bonds of fit reserve and leads the heart 
To stray from Duty's path — from Faith ! For when 
Love enters, conquers and entwines that chain 
Around two souls which iron cannot break, 
Farewell to peace in households then ! Farewell 
To union and to happiness! A maid 
Of Jewish faith who weds outside the pale, 
Is branded as a traitress to her race, 
A traitress to her faith and duty! Aye, 
And on the judgment day, if Right be Right 
And Truth be truth, her soul shall stand con- 
demned, 
By both and by the God she hath betrayed! 

Tamar 

This bodes no good, believe me! There must be 
Some hidden purpose lurking 'neath it! 

Batatna 

Yes! 
The tiger never stalks the lamb for nought! 

David 

(Hotly) What wants the stranger here? His looks 

are full 
Of cunning! Watch hirn closely, friends! 



32 Esther and Harbonah 

(Memucan and Esther sit on a couch.) 

Memucan 

{To Esther) 

Thou knowest not how I have long desired 
To hold a closer speech with thee, fair maid! 
For days and nights, for many months in truth, 
Thy image in my heart hath been impressed 
So deep that other thoughts could find no place! 
No slumber e'er enchained me but I dreamed, 
No dream enthralled me ever but thy face 
Appeared as constantly as light by day! 
With all humility, I ask thee, hear 
A Persian's solemn word and protest! Heart 
And hand and thought, yea, all that man 
Can lay at lady's service shall be thine! 

Esther 

O speak not thus to mock a Jewish maid! 
Thou knowest that a Hebrew marries not 
Outside the holy faith. "Accursed the one," 
So said my father with his ebbing breath, 
"Who dares belie our God by wedding spouse 
An alien to our race!" And gazing then 
Upon me as the film of death o'er-spread 
His eyes, he said, *'Be faithful to thy creed, 
And die in wretchedness before consent 
Thou'lt give to marry stranger to thy faith!" 
Then suddenly he stopped, — his eyes lit up, 
He rose upon his bed as if possessed 
With strength renewed — he looked as If In- 
spired! — 
As if the future was to him revealed 
And words to tell It lingered on his lips, 
Kept sealed by pow'r 'gainst which he tried to 
strive ! 



Act I 33 

At last he gasped, outstretched his arms and said, 
'^Except a king — I see — a queen — who — looks 
Like thee!" He fell exhausted in my arms, 
Then turned his face to me, looked lovingly 
Into my very eyes, then smiled, and died! 
They said his mind was wand'ring! But I know 
No word of thine can ever change my will 
And make me disobey his dying charge! 

M emu can 

Nay, hear me, be not hasty! — All my wealth 

Shall at thy feet be poured. No wish of thine 

Shall be unheeded ; what a man can do 

To make a woman happy shall be done! 

Thy jewels shall the royal diadem 

Outshine! Thy slaves shall countless be, — and I 

Most willing of them all ! Thy parks shall charm 

With velvet lawns, with foliaged groves beneath 

Whose grateful shade shall purest streamlets flow 

With crystal purling flood, reflecting all 

Of Heaven's beauty, and of earth, — thine own! 

Thy ev'ry wish shall be my law! No thought 

Shall e'er be in my heart but happiness 

For thee shall be its theme! Thy palace walls 

Shall all with colors bright resplendent shine 

And rival in their brilliancy the sheen 

Of birds' most lovely plumage ! Nay, the glow 

And beauty of an angel's wing shall seem 

But dull in the comparison! 

Esther 

Sir, hold! 
Think'st thou to tempt me? If thou hadst the 

wealth 
Of Ind and couldst command the choicest slaves 
That throng ' the marts of Ethiop's land, nay 
more ! — 



34 Esther and Harbonah 

If all thy substance rivalled that which lies 
In treasury of Persia's kings, thou'dst fail! 
Yea — more ! Thy tempting me to break the word 
I gave my dying father proves thou hast 
No honor in thy heart! Enough, sir, go! {Rising) 
And learn two things, the first, a Jewish maid 
With aught of Jewish feeling in her heart. 
Would scorn to wed outside her father's faith ! 
The second, that a Jewish child obeys 
The parent when he lives, much more when dead ! 
And as for me, if ever dawns the day 
When Esther's tongue betrays her father's wish, 
May Esther's heart no longer beat, her tongue 
Be paralyzed and all her powers fail ! ( Turns 
from him) 

M emu can 

Thou scornest me? Right well I know that I 
Have lowered me to speak as I have done! — 
That I, a Persian prince, should stoop to woo 
A child of Judah's lowly race! Thou hast 
Perchance a deeper cause to treat me thus! 
I know not if thou mockest me to say 
A Jew his father honors! I have learned 
The Jews are exiles from their land because 
They honored not the one they ever call 
Their Heav'nly Father! Why, then, honor more 
The one on earth than Him in Heaven? Nay, 
Thou hast a deeper cause? — a lover, — yes! 

(Turning to guests) 
Then speak, ye men, who dares to cross the path 
Of Memucan? 

David 
I, David, son of Hur! 



Act I 35 

Memucan 
What, thou? Thou slave, thou dog! Then learn 

from me 
Thy love shall cause thy death! Thou dog, take 

that! 

{As he rushes to stab David, whorn Saul and Asher 
hold back, Mordecai grasps his hand, Esther 
shrieks, men move forward as if to fall on him. 
Girls assume various attitudes of fright. Tab- 
leau.) 

Men and Maidens 
Arrest the hand! 

Mordecai 
What would'st thou, madman, now? 

Memucan 
I swear to slay the thrice accursed hound! 

Finale. Chorus. "Away, Thou Traitor!" 

Mordecai 

The shadow of my roof, O Persian, 
Thou forgettest! Learn to know 

That thou hast outraged what respected 
Is by even vengeful foe! 

Memucan 

By ev'ry god in Persia's heaven, 

Hear ye all, I solemnly swear 
To wreak my vengeance on this rival! — {To 
David) 

For thy death, thou dog, prepare! 



3^ Esther and Harbonah 

Esther 

Thou Persian, hear a Jewish maiden 
Hurl defiance in thy face! 

Be2:one, and never dare approach me! 
Judah loathes thy hated race! 



Ch 



or us 



Away, thou traitor, shame upon thee! 

Friendship, Virtue, Peace, Old Age, 
Thou dar'st to outrage! Shame upon thee! 

Carry hence thy cursed rage! 

{Curtain falls.) 



ACT I 

Scene II 

{Wood scene. Outskirts of Shushan. Bigtan, 
Tereshj Mama, cloaked and armed. Night.) 

Bigtan 

This night's the last! It is the seventh eve 
Of keeping watch, and Memucan expressed 
The compact, "Watch for seven nights until 
You see a Jew called David, son of Hur! 
Then kill him !" Then he gave description, though 
I know the man he means! Five hundred coins 
Of silver will he give us when we can 
Assure him that his hated foe is dead! 

Teresh 
Who comes? 



Act I 37 

Bigtan 
{Looking out) 'Tis he, at last! 

Marna 

Be ready, all! 
I will accost him. {Enter Asher) Sir, how fares 
the night? 

Asher 

{Aside) Some footpads! What they'll get from me 

if but 
They leave my life, I care not! {To Bigtan) All 

is fair! 
The moon will rise 'fore ends the watch! Good 

night! 
{They hustle him.) Good night, I bid you. {They 

handle him.) 

Hey! What would ye? Ho! 
'Tis Asher, son of Aaron, let me go ! ( They desist.) 

Bigtan 

V faith, he's not the man we seek! {To Asher) 

Begone ! 
We did but joke! {They move to the rear.) 

Asher 

{Aside) This joke had cost my life, 
Methinks, if I my name had not declared! 
But who is he they seek? Some Jew for sure! 
For never yet was Jew for Persian ta'en! 
I'll rouse all Jewry! Murder is afoot! 
Ye villains, I'll defeat your wicked plans! {Exit 
Asher) 

Marna 

A good escape for him! But hist! Again 
Some footsteps can I hear! Vile fate! It is 



38 Esther and Harbonah 

Some roysterers from out the palace, drunk 
Like all the rest, while we are parched with thirst! 

Teresh 

I think that Memucan should pay for this 
Some extra coin! We bargained not to be 
Deprived of joining in the royal feast! {They re- 
tire , rear.) 

{Enter Harbonah, Darshom, Nargan, the two latter 
intoxicated.) 

Harbonah 

It was the richest thing! I would I were 
The King! {Sees the assassins) Whom have 

we here? {Calls to them) Well met, my 

friends! 
{Aside) Three choicest rogues as e'er I saw! 

Perhaps 
They'll serve my purpose better than the two 
I have with me, for Darshom is a fool 
And Nargan, — he is drunk! {Coming forward) 

I'll be the death 
Of Memucan ! I swear to have his life 
For passing insult on his equal, me, 
A royal chamberlain! And thus it is 
To slay him as he comes from out the feast, 
I, Harbonah, now walk the streets with two 
Assassins who would slay their very child 
For money! I'll dismiss the useless pair 
And hire the others! Yes, I'll manage it! 

Teresh 

{To Bigtan and Mama) 'Tis best for us to meet 

them in their mood ! 
A pest upon them! In no humor now 



Act I 39 

Am I for jesting! {To Harbonah) Ah, my friend, 

all hail! 
What news have you? 

• Harbonah 

What? Have you then not heard? 
Shushan is ringing with it! Why, the queen 
Is sent away in deep disgrace! 

Bigtan, Teresh and Mama 
Indeed ! 

Dar shorn 

Of course ! Where have you been ? Pray, are ye all 

Custodians of peace in great Shushan. 

And like the finest of police, know naught 

Of what goes on, when knowing does not pay? 

Teresh 
We are not watchmen ! Prithee tell us all ! 

Nargan 
Why I, why I, why I, . . . 

Darshom 

Be still, thou'rt drunk! {Interrupting) 
{To Harbonah) Thou, Captain, speak! Thou hast 
the clearest head! 

Harbonah 

For seven daj^s, as ye perchance have heard, 

The garden of the royal palace free 

Hath been to all Shushan, both great and small! 



40 Esther and Harhonah 

A Paradise it is, in very truth, 

Surpassing e'en a poet's wildest dream! 

Whate'er is beautiful in form is there; 

What Heaven shows of glorious hues at dawn, 

Or sunset, there we see, — translucent blue 

Of azure softness, purple, orange, red, 

With bloodlike crimson, opal, green and gold — 

All melting, glowing, dazzling, like as if 

The skies were robbed of ev'ry rainbow which 

Hath ever spanned the tearful earth, to deck 

The scented avenues and leafy groves 

Of Persia's king! Then lanterns gleam and lights 

Uncountable of ev'ry color shine 

And make the whole a scene for gods, not men! 

On ev'ry side are hanging curtains stretched, 

Of white and green and blue, all looped with cords 

Of linen fine! Imperial purple, too. 

Of Tyrian dye the deepest, meets the gaze! 

The very rollers are of silver pure, 

Engraved and polished ! Ev'rywhere are seen 

Long rows of glistening marble pillars, carved 

With graceful shapes and wonderful designs 

From lowest base to lofty architrave! 

Beneath the vaulting arch and leaf-hid niche 

Are hidden gold and silver couches, heaped 

With silks of Ind, Damascus cloth-of-gold 

And priceless stuffs from earth's most distant ends! 

The seats and tables are of rarest woods, 

The former cushioned, piled with yielding shawls! 

Then here and there are dancing fountains placed 

With soothing splash to charm the ear as well 

As please the eyes with spray reflecting lights 

From every side! The steps, the pavements, all 

The sweeping terraces, the fountain-beds, 

Are choicest porphyry or malachite 

Or rarest marble, yellow, green and white 

And deepest black! If ever man had glimpse 



Act I 41 

Of Paradise the sight could not have charmed 
Him more than that which I would fain describe! 

Nargan 

Now don't forget the wine ! The scene was grand, 

I grant you, and the lights were doubled, aye, 
And trebled as we quaffed the wine! But then 
Ye gods! The wine was better, thousand times! 

Harbonah 
Have done, thou fool! 

Darshom 

The wine? Don't talk, I pray! 
Such drink the gods have not! Three flasks I drank 
Of Chian wine, the best they had! Each flask 
Was worth of silver pieces full a score! 
No stint there was, the king's distinct command 
Declared the officers should do the will 
Of ev'ry man as he might wish! We drank 
From gorgeous cups of gold, of patterns each 
Diverse from other's shape. But death ! The wine 
Was grander, I assure you! 

Harbonah 

Then the queen 
A feast for all the women made within 
The royal palace walls. And here's the joke! 
The king was merry — who was not indeed? 
A bet was made who had the fairest wife. 
The king declared that none with Persia's queen 
Could e'er compare! — The bet was taken. Then 
To Memucan, of chamberlains the first, 
He, angered, spake, for vexed was he 



42 Esther and Harbonah 

Nargan 

{Interrupting) And drunk 

Besides! 

Harbonah 

Be quiet, sir, I beg! A king 
Is never drunk! 

Dar shorn 

Be still, thou chatter- fool ! 

Nargan 

No fool am I ! For Memucan himself 
Could not fool me! I saw his cunning trick! 
He plied the king with wine, filled up his cup 
A score of times, but he himself, I marked, 
Made but pretense of drinking! No! He kept 
His own sly brains unfuddled, while he dazed 
The king's poor head ! Nay more ! I saw him drop 
A whitish powder in the royal cup 
Not once, but twice! They both were drunk, I. say! 
The king with wine, but Memucan was drunk 
With some desire infernal to persuade 
The king to grant him gift or privilege ! 

Darsho?n 

They say that fools and drunkards tell the truth! 
What is he? Fool or drunkard? 

Harbonah 

{Aside) He is both! 
But he will serve my purpose well ! ( To the oth- 
ers) The king 
To Memucan exclaimed, ''Go fetch the queen — 



Act I 43 

The king commands!" Then quick they went, the 

whole 
Of Persia's chamberlains, to bid the queen 
Appear before the court. They soon returned 
With blank astonishment depicted on 
Each face! "O King," said Memucan, "we gave 
Thy message! But the queen replied, 'Take back 
This answer to the king! Let him not think 
That I forget my dignity, as he 
Doth his, nor yet imagine that his wish 
Of such a kind will be by me obeyed, 
To show my face to drunken men ! Thus say, 
That Vashti, queen of Persia, doth refuse!'" 
The king arose, and mad. with anger, asked 
His learned counsellors' advice thereon! 
The chief of all the seven, Memucan, 
Then spake: "O, not against the king alone 
Hath Vashti sinned. To all the nobles, aye, 
To all the people hath she gi'en offence! 
For when 'tis known that Vashti dares refuse 
The king's command, no wife will more obey 
Her husband's will! If with my word the king 
Is pleased, he will remove her royal state 
And choose for queen a maiden who will know 
Her duty to the king! And let a law 
Be made for ev'ry province (in its tongue 
To better understand it) thus to say. 
That ev'ry husband shall as master rule 
In his own house!" Ahasuerus thought 
It good advice and now 'tis law. This ends 
The story, friends! 'Tis late! Good night! 

Biff tan 

Good night! 
Harbonah {Aside to Bigtan) 
Thou know'st the gate that leads the way to great 
Damascus; meet me there, for friends I need! 



44 Esther and Harbonah 

{Exeunt Harbonah, Darshom, Nargan.) 

Teresh 

Well, well, we live and learn, we live and learn! 
And so no queen now graces Persia's throne! 

Marna 

I hear a voice, — be still, it sings a tune 

I've heard from Jewish throat, — may be 'tis he 

At last! 

Bigtan 

I hope it is, I'm tired enough! 

David 

{Outside, gradually coming nearer) 

Song. "I Hear the Thrush" 

I hear the thrush make heaven ring 
With melody glorious, pure and sweet, 
Till echoes jealous 'gin to sing 
And answering soft the song repeat! 
Ah ha! {Flute answers.) Ah ha! {Flute an- 
swers.) 
Oh glorious light, oh sunshine bright! 
My heart with joy is stirred, — 
To giddiest height I wing my flight! 
Thus sings the gladsome bird! 
Ah ha! Ah ha! {Js before) 
Oh glorious light. Oh sunshine bright, 
My heart with joy is stirred. 
To giddiest height I wing my flight! — 
The echoes thus were heard! 

{David enters as he ends the song.) 



Act I 45 



Teresh 
Thou'rt merry, friend! 



By Jews 



Marna 

I know the song, 'tis sung 

David 

Well, I'm a Jew and so I sing 
It! David, son of Hiir's my name, and truth 
To tell, there's none more honorable known! 

{They approach him.) 
Good night, good friends! {They press around 
him.) 

Keep off! What! 
Help!— Ho! Help! 

Bigtan 

{Stabbing him) 
Take that, thou David, son of Hur! 

Teresh 

And that! 
Marna 
And that from Memucan! Our task is done! 

{Exeunt Bigtan, Teresh and Marna.) 

David 

{Falls) Ah me! Oh Esther! Ah! I die!— Ho, 
help! 

{Enter crowd with Mordecai and Asher.) 



46 Esther and Harbonah 

Mordecai 

Who cried for help? — What? Some man stabbed? 

A Jew 
By vestment! — Oh, great heaven! — David, w^hat! 
Explain! — {Aside) Oh, Esther! Woe for thee! 

{Mordecai raises David's head on his knees; chorus 
group round thenij in attitude of sorrow, rage, 
fear, etc.) 

David 

Oh, v^^oe! 

Prayer. ''As the Hart by Hounds is HuntedT 

As the hart by hounds is hunted, 
So is Jacob by the foe 
Who remorselessly pursues him! 
Thou dost see it! Thou dost know! 

Vengeance, Heaven, thus we cry, 
We, Thy sons in stranger's land! 
Vengeance! Vengeance! From on high, 
Vengeance on the murd'ring hand! 

David 

{Dying) 

Oh Mordecai ! 'Twas Memucan who vowed 
To slay me, — Esther, — tell her that I die — 
While breathing forth her loved name, — my heart 
Was hers, — I die — while breathing — forth — her 
name! 

Prayer. ''Peace, O Friends, His Soul Is Passing/'^ 

Peace, O friends! His soul is passing! 
See, his life-blood stains the sod! 
May his soul be — Hush — Attend ye — 
Shema Israel Hashem Echod! 

Curtain 



ACT II 

Scene I 

{Esther s room. Maidens assembled as in Act I, 
Scene I. Four years are supposed to have 
passed^ ) 

Song. The Zephyr and the Rosebud 



The Zephyr kissed the Rose-bud and she hung her 
head and wept; 
But Zephyr whispered softly while away he gen- 
tly swept 
The rain-drops which, like trembling tears had 
gemmed her folded leaves, 

* According to the Book of Esther, the king feasted 
his great gathering of nobles and commoners in the 
third year of his reign (Chapter I, v, 3), and Esther 
was taken to the king in the seventh year. (II, 16) — 
an interval of four years. Towards the end of 484 
B.C.E., Xerxes returned to Susa (Shusha-n) and con- 
vened a great council to debate his proposed expedition 
against Greece (Herod I, vii, 7). He invaded Greece 
in the year 480 B.C.E., returned to Asia defeated after 
the battle of Salamis, 480 B.C.E., four years after his 
great council. Xerxes abandoned himself to luxury 
and ease (Ctes. c. ii, Diod. 1, xi, Justin 1, iii, 1). The 
conduct of Artabanus, a favorite, in conspiring against 
him, and seeking to gain the throne, a sad abuse of 
wine at a banquet are historical facts which I have 
utilized in the play. See Rollin Hist., Vol. II. 

47 



48 Esther and Harbonah 

And this is what he whispered, *'0, I'll die if 
Rosebud grieves! 

O Rosebud, Rosebud, lift thy head; 

Thy lover speaks to thee! 
O Rosebud, Rosebud, I would wed 
Thy sweetness all to me! 

II 

The Rosebud heard and wavered, then she raised 
her head and blushed 
And slowly opened leaflets, each with wondrous 
beauty flushed; 
But Zephyr stole her sweetness, then, O faithless! 
off he hied. 
To other lands, while Rosebud drooped and pined 
away and died! 

O Rosebud, Rosebud, live again. 

Thy lover speaks to thee! 
But all the answer was the rain 
Which pattered, "No, not he!" 

Sosana 

Hast heard that Jered, son of Issachar, 
Hath wed a Persian maid? 

Bataina 

I wonder not ! 
His father cared but little for the laws 
Of our beloved religion! He was what 
Is called *'a Jew at heart," that is, he had 
No heart for Jewish duty! Synagogue 
He did not visit. Worship in his home — 
He knew it not ! His sons and daughters grew 
To manhood and to womanhood without 
A knowledge of the duties, Faith and Hopes 
Of Israel! What else can we expect? 



Act II 49 

The daughters marry out the faith or wed 
Some "Jew at heart" — some compromising cur 
Who hath no heart for God, no heart for 

aught 
Save worldly pleasure, worldly aim — as if 
A life without a God could be a life 
Worth living! 

Arbanahal 

O, I hate the canting phrase, 
"I am a Jew at heart," from out the lips 
Of dastard Jew who like a non-Jew lives — 
Who breaks the Sabbath, scorns the Law, who lies 
When saying, "I love God!" The test of love 
Is sacrifice we make for those we love. 
What sacrifice make "Jews at heart," like these, 
To prove their love for Him they dare call God? 

Batatna 

This Jered, son of Issachar — take him 

As our example! Call ye him a man? 

His widowed mother lives, a loving heart 

That loves and fears and serves her God. She tried 

To lead her sons and daughters in her faith. 

But husband helped her not! And uncles, aunts, 

Companions, mocked at ev'ry sacred form! 

Poor soul! she grieved, she mourned, because her son 

Took wife outside her faith ! That son ! That cur I 

Zaphra 

He knew his mother loved him well! He knew 
She bore for him the pains of motherhood; 
He knew she watched his infant life, his years 
Of tender childhood, aye, he knew it was 
Her loving hand that bathed his fevered brow, 



50 Esther and Harbonah 

That watched the night beside the bed whereon 
He tossed in pain or sickness! O, he knew 
What mother's love and mother's sacrifice 
Had meant for him! and now he pays her back! 
His fist he dashes in that gentle face! 
Her tender heart he rends! Her love he flouts! 
His love for her counts nought beside his love 
For woman of a faith that hates his tribe! 

Immi 

Who marries out of faith in which he's born 
Deserves, obtains, the world's contempt and scorn! 

Tamar 

And as for him, to sacrifice the least 
For her who sacrificed for him so much — 
The dastard had not strength of will to snap 
Love's thread before it grew to be a rope 
That strangled duty, gratitude, and more, 
Killed manhood, for it made a man a cur! 



Im 



mi 



If he reflect, he must despise himself 

Whene'er he thinks of mother's pain, e'en though 

She suffers silently, as mothers do! 

Bataina 

Can man find happiness in wedded life 
If parent's grief proclaims his treachery, 
Ingratitude and moral cowardice? 

Tamar 

But worse than all, to know that he hath been 
A traitor to his race, his faith, his God! 



Act II 51 

Immi 

Thy words are true, most true! The man or maid 
Who marries one of ah'en faith cannot 
Expect a happy married life. For how- 
Can happiness exist when heart's remorse 
Is quickened by the thought of memory 
Of parent dead who, if in life, would ne'er 
Approve? Or how can happiness exist 
For son or daughter wed with consciousness 
That he or she by taking spouse outside 
The father's faith hath hastened father's death, 
Or aged the mother, bent her gentle frame 
With pain, humiliation, all the more 
Pathetic since, through love, in silence borne! 

Sosana 

Some men, some maids, are made of selfishness. 

The mem'ry of the dead, or love for those 

That live, counts naught. How can it when the 

thought 
Of God Himself counts naught? 

Myrrhine 

The tragedy 
Becomes complete and come it must and will. 
The family becomes a curse, because 
For others one example leads the way! 
What should be done to keep the others true? 

Immi 

What should be done? Should man from truthful- 
ness 
Depart to make his gain ? Should merchant swerve 
From honor's line for profit men condemn? 



5^ Esther and Harbonah 

Should soldier be disloyal to his flag 

Because his puling child would call to him? 

Then why should one, to gain his peace of mind, 

Depart from loyalty to God because 

His child to God hath been disloyal? Why 

Shall parent compromise with honor just 

To keep or win the love of traitor-child — 

To gain the profit of a traitor's love, 

A love proved false in that it stood not test? 

And why shall father, mother, prove to be 

Disloyal to their God to countenance, 

Or compromise, forgive disloyalty? 

'Tis agony for soldier when he leaves 

His loved ones! He obeys! For duty calls! 

'Tis sorrow for a martyr when he thinks 

Of loved wife or child he leaves to fight 

A cruel world! He dies! For duty calls! 

The hero dares and dies! For duty calls! 

Let parent say. My God, my duty calls! 

A soldier's heart, a crown of martyrdom, 

Some heroism let me have to dare 

To serve my own, my father's God! My son 

Hath closed his heart to me; his love was but 

Pretense — my heart, my door is closed to him ! 

His love is dear to me, but yet my love 

For God is dearer yet! My daughter, false 

To me and worse, so false to God, may not 

Bring traitress-kisses born from traitress-heart! 

O agony, O nameless pain when child 

Betrays his sires, his faith, his race, his God! 

Sosana 

We live in mournful days! Besides the news 
Of Jered I have learned that fifteen Jews 
Were murdered as they went to port of Tyre, 
Through treachery that calls to mind the death 



Act II 53 

Of our beloved David, Esther's love. ( To Arbana- 

hal) 
How long since thou hast seen sweet Esther? 

Strange 
That those who are so gentle meet such woe! 

Arbanahal 

Some days have passed since last we met. (Look- 
ing out) But there 
She comes. 

Bataina 

Last night she dreamed, so says Myrrhine, 
The mystic dream. 'Tis wonderful how swayed 
Her mind hath been since that eventful night. 

Myrrhine 

In truth she hath not been herself since then. 

{Enter Esther) 

Esther 

{Dreamily) "Thou art the humble myrtle, Esther, 

thou 
The myrtle, Hadassah, — the myrtle, thou!" 

{Sits on couch) 

Myrrhine 

'Tis thus she ever is until the time 
Arrives for Mordecai's return; she then 
Is roused and seems to be more like herself. 

{Enter Mordecai) 

M or dec at 

Ah floweret, art well this morn? Indeed 
I hope so! 



54 Esther and Harbonah 

Esther 

{Arousing herself) Aye, I think I am, but yet 
At times I feel so sad, so sad, and seem 
All things around me to forget! 

{Enter Saul, Kish, Asher, and others) 

Saul 

Good friends, 
We greet you! We have come to tell you that 
The king hath just been pleased to publish new 
A law, which, certes, means a loss for us! 

Zaphra 

{To Saul) Be careful what you say! Last night 

she dreamed 
That dream again, and is again so moved. 
So much affected, that we are afraid! 
And, more, this morn commemorates the day 
When David met his mournful fate! 

Saul 

'Tis true! 
'Tis true! Forgive me, for I did but jest! 
But now remembering her grief, all mirth 
Departs, like when the sparkle on the pool 
Is lost beneath the passing cloud that hides 
The joyous sunshine. David was as good 
A youth as ever won the prize of love 
From maiden's heart! And Esther — 'deed I am 
In sore distress to see her thus, poor soul! 

Tamar 

I hear the tramp of soldiers! Asher, see 

What passes! Times are such that none can say 

What strange things come! 



Act II 55 

Asher 

{At lattice) A captain's guard 

Comes down the street. It halts! The captain 

seems 
To look for something! Ha! He pauses here! — 
He knocks! — He enters! — And two men on guard 
He's stationed at the door! {Enter Captain) 

Captain 

Does Mordecai 
The Jew, live here? 

Mordecai 
He does. 

Captain 

Is Hadassah, 
Or Esther, still his ward ? 

Mordecai 

She is, and, lo. 
She stands before thee! 

Captain 

Read this missive then! 

Esther 

{Reads) The dews have fallen many times. The 

moon 
Hath waned and grown again while changing 

months 
Have brought the changing seasons. Nature's face 
Hath changed. And so hath Heaven's firmament, 
As storm clouds sweeping o'er have been displaced 



56 Esther and Harbonah 

By glowing sunshine, and the frown of night 
E^ch day 'fore dawn's bewitching beauty fled 
To western skies. But earth and heaven both 
May change, yet he who writes this changeth not! 
Thou did'st refuse to wed me, me, a Prince! 
I vowed revenge. My purpose hath not changed 
All these four years. At last my chance hath come. 
Thou know'st that Vashti reigns as queen no more. 
At my suggestion, all the maidens fair 
Must come before the king, that he may choose 
For queen to grace his throne, the maid whose 

charms 
Of witching loveliness around his heart 
Shall weave that chain which not the strongest man 
Can break, — what poets rave about, — what kings 
And peasants all experience, — what fills 
The veins with fevered blood and sends it on 
With bounding rush to heart and brain, to drive 
All other thoughts from both! — They call it Love! 
By formal edict now the law is made 
That ev'ry maid from ev'ry town must go 
Before the King. Think not that thou art safe! 
Think not the love of Mordecai, his wealth, 
His wit shall save thee! Ah! Thou said'st thy life 
Thou'dst forfeit ere thou wouldst consent to wed 
Outside thy father's faith ! Thou must obey 
The king! He sends for thee, for Esther, ward 
Of Mordecai the Jew: — 'Twas I who gave 
Thy name! 'Tis I who send the guard! 'Tis I 
Who tear thee from thy home! And if mischance 
Should place the crown upon thy brow, within 
A day I'd poison thee! I have the means! 
But know the fate as my revenge shall glut 
My soul! I'll sway the king to send thee far 
From kinsfolk, friends, and all thou lov'st, to be 
A slave, a royal gift to some satrap. 
And in a distant province, where the blasts 



Act II 57 

From out the icy northland herald snows 
Which hide earth's barrenness for half the year, 
Shalt thou, unloved, unknown, drag out thy life 
In wretchedness debased, till death shall come 
Too tardy for thy prayers! Thy curse shall meet 
Each day! Thy sigh shall greet each hour! Thy 

tears 
Shall mark the night's slow progress! Faint shall be 
Thy heart with vain regret, and crushed shall be 
Thy spirit as thy tortured soul shall writhe 
In frenzy born of anguish and remorse! 
I swore I'd be revenged! — I never change! — 
And thus shalt thou remember 

Memucan. 
Saul 

Give me that letter! Friends, was ever heard 
Such evidence that human villainy 
Can so distort the human mind, — that hand 
And brain and heart so treacherously fail 
To show the presence of the soul, the spark 
Divine? O villain! Though thou art a prince, 
And I a lowly Jew, I swear by all 
That's holy, that thy cowardice, in thus 
Addressing one who, being woman, must 
Command respect from ev'ry man whose heart 
Is loyal to his manhood, shall receive 
Its punishment! 

Batatna 

O Saul, thy tongue will cost 
Thy life! 

Saul 

Then let it cost my life! What worth 
Is life if all we love is thus debased? 
O men, by manhood, by our life, our love 
For God, — let us resist! 



58 Esther and Harbonah 

Asher 

Aye, David's blood 
Cries loud to us! Shall we stand by and let 
The maid he loved become the prey of one 
Whom men call Memucan, but whom we call 
A devil, fiend incarnate? By the soul 
Of my dead father, Esther shall not go! 

Kish 

No, no! Shall we permit our maids to be 
Thus torn from home, from purity, from all 
That's holy, to become dishonored toys 
For Persia's vile nobility? I swear 
It shall not be! Come, brothers, fight, I say! 

Myrrhine 

Yea, fight! O save us from this dreadful fate! 
To leave our home, and all we love, to live 
Amidst surroundings where we cannot serve 
Our God, as father, mother, served Him all 
Their lives! Ye men! Be craven cowards, or 
Be men! 

{The men gather in front of the women and men- 
ace the captain and the guard. Esther makes 
her way to the walh keeping her face towards 
the captain.) 

Esther 

I will not go! I'll die before 
I'll wed outside my faith! {Seizes a dagger from 
the wall, attempts to stab herself. The cap- 
tain leaps to her side and seizes her wrist.) 
My dream! O God! 
My father's dying word — "Except a king!" — 



Act II 59 

God of Israel! I cannot think! 

O! Must I give my honor that my race 
From some impending danger shall be saved? 

All 

Thou shalt not go ! ( The men seize weapons from 
the walls.) 

Captain 

I must arrest her, then! 
My orders are to take her to Hagai, 
The keeper of the women for the king, 
And friend of Memucan — vv^orst fate for her! 
My orders say, {Reading) If Mordecai would bribe, 
Refuse! If friends resist, then cut them down! 
They're only dogs! But by thy life, bring her 
By force as I command! 

All 

It shall not be! {Saul throws himself on the cap- 
tain. Two of the guards throw him down. 
The other men prepare to fight.) 

Esther 

Shall I bring death to these my friends? My God! 
Where is my duty? O, I go! Holdback! {Asher 

falls, stabbed by one of the guard. Esther 

shrieks. ) 

1 go! I go! No blood shall fall for me! {The 

men draw off, Mordecai advances.) 

Mordecai 

{Taking her hand) Thou'rt dazed, my child, and 

art not well! 
Thou knowest not what thou art speaking! Try 



6o Esther and Harbonah 

And calm thyself! I'll see the chamberlain! 
I have his friendship! — Once I saved his life! 
I'll offer all my wealth to keep thee home! 
Without thee, life for me will be so dark 
That reason will its seat forsake! For death 
I'd pray! — And yet I'd pray to live, — I'd die 
In agony of pain without thy voice 
To thrill my heart, — I'd live to rescue thee 
From fate most awful, whether spouse of king 
Or slave of vassal! 

Esther 

{Kneeling) No, O Mordecai, 

My kinsman, nay, my father, hear thy child! 

I must go hence at once! The king commands! 

My destiny, — my fate impels, — and I 

Obey. (Cries) 

Mordecai 

O Esther, Hadassah! 

Esther 
(Starts to her feet) Ah me! 

That name! The angel spake it in my dream! 

(Walks forward) 
"Thou art the humble myrtle, — Esther, thou, 
The myrtle, Hadassah, the myrtle, thou! 
(Excitedly) Thou fate, I go! I go! O father, 

thou 
Must try forget me! (Weeps) 

Mordecai 

Nay, my darling, what 
Is it that so distresses thee? O speak. 
For thou dost rend my heart! O misery! 



Act II 6i 

Chorus. "Lo, How Awful Is th' Emotion!" 

Lo! How awful is th' emotion 
Moving thus her gentle frame! 
Doth her dream tell Heaven's bidding? 
Do the fates their victim claim? 
To the Higher Power, Esther, 
We commend thee, we, thy friends! 

Esther 

Heaven's voice is calling, saying 
That my destiny is working. 
Thus I go, its will obeying. 
Meeting all the perils lurking 
In the dark and mystic future, 
Threatening the chosen race! 

Myrrhtne 

Darling, listen to us praying 
Heaven's aid, that any parting 
Be prevented, thus allaying 
Sorrow's pain which now is darting 
Through the hearts of all thy friends — 
All thy friends who love thee well! 

Mordecai 

Daughter, what is it possessing 
Mystic pow'r o'er thy affection, 
Grieving us and thee distressing? 
Pause and think in calm reflection. — 
Dost thou love me? Dost thou love me? 
Would that I could die for thee! 

Esther 

{Taking Mordecai s hand between hers, and kneel- 
ing) 



&2 Esther and Harbonah 

O father, press me not, for I must leave 

Thy roof which long hath sheltered me and go 

Where fate commands me! Let me know each day 

How thou art faring! Once immured within 

The royal palace-halls it may be hard 

For me to freely hear from thee, or thou 

From me, — for spies abound, I know it well! 

But if thou hast of news important, such 

As thou would'st have me know by trusty slave, 

Then this thou'lt do! Be near at hand and ask 

To see the queen's own private choir, and bid 

Them sing to me a Hebrew melody 

Which I will recognize as warning me, 

According as it is Hallel of praise 

Or mournful song to mournful numbers wed. 

That thou hast news of good or ill. Farewell! 

Alas, farewell! I must obey my fate! {Mordecai 

caresses her.) 
Nay, do not try to keep me! Heaven knows 
My heart is broken thus to leave the home 
Where love of thine e'er chased all cares away! 
'Tis God who calls me forth! As well attempt 
To stay our fate as stay the cataract 
That leaps from Ombra's heights with seething 

flood 
To find its bed in dark and deep abyss 
Below! What lies for me in future stored 
I know and care not! Firm in trust in God {Aris- 
ing) 
I go prepared for all! Aye, myrtle braves 
The coming tempest as my dream foretold, 
And Esther goes, perhaps a sacrifice 
For Judah's race! If storms be coming, black 
With Persia's hate and doomed to burst upon 
The heads of our devoted nation, I 
Will dare the tyrant, if I die, I die! 
This, this is Esther's mission! Come the worst, 



Act II 63 

Ye stormclouds, I, the humble myrtle first 
Will break your strength with Heaven's aid! 
Come fate, come fate, thy will shall be obeyed! 

Chorus. Hearken to Thy Sons 

Hearken to thy son's offending 
Asking mercy ! — Let Thine ears 
Heed our cry! — Do Thou, descending, 
Answer with Thy help the tears 
Of the exiled, outcast band 
Trembling in the foeman's land! 

Curtain 



ACT III 

Scene I 

{An interval of four years is supposed to intelvene,) 

King*s reception chamber. Courtiers seated. Guards 
with weapons, ushers in front with staves of 
office. The royal throne is in the centre, on 
a raised platform with steps. Haman and 
Hatach are in front. Harbonah is seated near 
the thronCj and watches them. 

Haman 

(To Hatach) How sayest thou? He would not 

bend nor bow 
To me, the King's Vizier? 

Hatach 

E'en so, great Prince! 
For many days we chided him and asked 
Him how he dared transgress the king's command 
And neither bend nor bow to thee, as saith 
The royal order. 

Haman 

Knowest thou his name? 

Hatach 

*Tis Mordecai, his sire, Jair; whose sire, 
Shim'i was son of Kish, a Benjamite, 
64 



Act in 65 

Whom Nebuchadnezzar took captive with 
The king of Judah. {Exit Hatach) 

Haman 

What? 'Tis Mordecai! 
Again he crosses me? 'Tis well for him 
He gazes on the ground when I behold 
His stubborn form erect 'mong all the throng! 
Had I but viewed his face, the ev'ning sun 
Had certain seen him hanged ! What wretched fate 
Brings him again to make me gnash my teeth 
With anger and vexation? Twice oJBEence 
He's given me! Eight years ago he mocked 
My need ! For when I bade him come to me 
That I might ask his money-aid, he failed 
To see that I had honored him in that 
I asked a Jew to enter Persian's house! 
He mocked me and declared that he was not 
A money-lender, since to Persian rogues 
That trade he left! Again when I had thought 
To win his money and his ward at once, 
He took me to his house and made me ask 
The maiden's own consent! Right well he knew 
That she would mock at me! I'll be avenged 
And have his life! Like David, son of Hur, 
The Jewish lover of that maid I wooed, 
He'll pay the penalty of crossing me! — 
I'll have his life! And more, his hated race 
Shall die with him! {Musing) But how to do it? 

How 
To get the king's consent? Is there a man 
So much annoyed as I ? He will not bend 
To me! The tree that bends not, breaks! Aye, he 
And all his cursed race shall die! I swear 
By Persia's gods it shall be done! But how? 

{Walks thoughtfully) 



66 Esther and Harbonah 

Harbonah 

{Accosting him) My lord is very thoughtful! Can 

I ease 
His mind's anxiety? {Aside) I would his heart 
Were racked to pieces with it! 

Haman 

Aye, thou canst; 
{Significantly) The traitors 'round the king must 
be removed! 

Harbonah 
The traitors? Thou art jesting! 

Haman 

I am not! 
I have discovered that a certain prince 
Much honored by the king, had dealings vile 
With both Bigtan and Teresh who the life 
Of Persia's king attempted. 

Harbonah 

Good my lord, 
It grieves me thus to hear thee speak! 



Haman 

'Twill grieve 
Thee more 'fore I have done, — for Harbonah 
Is charged with knowing more of these two men 
Than trusted chamberlain should know! 



Harbonah 

What? I? 



Act in 67 

Haman 

Yes, thou! As traitor do I charge thee to 
Thy face! 

, Harbonah 

{Angrily) Prince Haman! I deny it! Twice 
Hast thou affronted me without the right 
Of justice! {Recovering himself and bowing) 

Yet I love thy grace so well 
That never can I take offense from thee! 
I know not aught of that vile plot! I swear 
My innocence by all the gods above! 

Haman 

Didst ever hire Bigtan and Teresh with 

Accomplices most desperate, to kill 

The object of thy burning wrath and hate? 

Harbonah 

Aye, so I did! But not to slay the king — 
'Twas but to slay a Jew, a wretched Jew 
Who'd angered me, {Keenly watching Haman), 
one David, son of Hur! 

Haman 

{Aside, starting involuntarily) Another secret 
known ! 

Harbonah 

Was that a crime? 
{Aside) I had you there! I love you! Yes, so 

much, 
That if thou wert to lie beneath my feet, 
I'd leave thee not until the life were stamped 



68 V, Esther and Harbonah 

From out thy hated body! Once thou hadst 
The luck to 'scape my vengeance! Now thou'rt 

back 
From fighting Persia's outside foes, thou hast 
An enemy more dangerous at home 
In me! And by the gods, I'll be avenged! 

Haman 

{Coming forward) We must be friends; and I w^ill 

save you all 
The danger of the charge already made 
Before the king! 

Harbonah 

I thank thee, Prince. Thou know'st 
That I regard thee as my brother! {Aside) He 
Or I must fall, and that right soon! On which 
Of us does fortune smile? 

Ushers outside 

"The king!" 

Ushers inside 

"The king!" 

{All rise. Haman and Harbonah take their sta- 
tions by the throne. The guards prepare to sa- 
lute. Enter procession in the following order: 
Chamberlain, guards, ushers, pages bearing 
scepter on cushion; guards, Hatach, royal 
crown on cushion, the king, whose entry is ac- 
companied by all the courtiers bowing oriental 
fashion {Salaam) until he ascends the throne. 
Pages bear train. At end of each throne-step 
two pages sit, except on the top-step which is 
left vacant. Crown and scepter supported on 



Act III 69 

the knees of pages on second step, until the 
ushers and guards closing the procession have 
entered and taken up their positions. Scepter 
then presented to the King.) 

Chorus. "All Hail of Earthly Kings the 
First!" 

All hail of earthly kings the first! 

Long live the king, we cry! 
May all his foes be e'er dispersed 

Like clouds across the sky! 

As bend the boughs when tempest blows, 

As leaves in autumn fall, 
So bend and fall all Persia's foes, 

In vain for help they call! 

From lands remote, the captives bring 

For tribute all their store; 
Long live the mighty Persian king, 

The conqueror in war! 

King 

What state-afifairs now claim our royal heed? 

Haman 

Of pressing haste there's nought, your majesty, 
There's nought of outward source. Thy realms at 

peace 
From India to Cush, of provinces 
A hundred twenty-seven, over which 
Thy rule extends. For who can stand before 
The power of thine arms? There's none on earth! 
Peace reigns supreme! A deputation waits 
From all thy provinces to tender thee 



70 Esther and Harbonah 

Their duty and congratulations true 

By paying homage on this day that marks 

Thy kingdom's happy anniversary. 

King 

The royal thanks are thine! To thee belongs 
The credit for reducing all to peace 
Beneath our sway! What can we in reward 
Bestow upon our trusty Haman? We 
Would fain express the approbation which 
He earns, and give substantial proof of what 
We mean! 

Haman 

Your Majesty is much too good! 
Already hast thou placed me 'fore the rest 
Of all thy court! That Haman loves the king, 
He need hot say! {Hesitatingly) And loving him, 

he feels 
Distressed ! 

King 

What? Speak, what cause exists that thou 
Of all my courtiers now shouldst feel distressed? 

Haman 

Your Majesty, there is a people which 

Dispersed and scattered through thy realms are yet 

Among thy subjects separated. Yea, 

The laws that govern them are different 

From those of ev'ry nation, and the laws 

Of Persia's king they do not execute, 

Nor is it to thy profit that thou shouldst 

This people tolerate. Now if it please 

The king, so great the love of duty which 



Act III 71 

I bear thee, let an edict be decreed 
Commanding their destruction, and a sum 
Of silver talents will I pay, in all 
Ten thousand, to the treasures of the king. 

King 

Ah, Haman! Ever loving, ever true 

And never knowing sacrifice too great! 

The silver thou shalt keep. And now to show 

That we appreciate thy watchfulness 

For Persia's glory which this people hold 

In no respect, in that they honor not 

The laws that we have passed, I give them all 

To thee, to do with them what seemeth good! 

And this I hand to thee, the royal seal, {Giving 

Haman his ring) 
That all may do thy bidding! 

Haman 

{Kneeling) What I say 

But feebly echoes what of gratitude 
I would express for favor undeserved. 
There is no haste 

King 

{Interrupting) Solicitous am I 

To execute thy plans ! Call in the scribes. 
What time dost thou prefer? What month? What 
day? {Enter scribes.) 

Haman 

The thirteenth day of what they call Adar. 
{Aside) So said the lots I cast! — ^Ye gods! I wind 
The king around my finger like a straw ! 



72 Esther and Harbonah 

King 

(To scribes) To governors and princes, all who 

rule 
In Persia's name, in ev'ry province thus 
The king commands and seals it with his ring; 
That all the Jews in all the realm shall die 
The thirteenth day of month Adar, the old 
And young, the women; and the children; all 
Their goods to be the spoil of him who likes! 
Let this be sent by royal post throughout 
The hundred twenty-seven provinces. 
And be it now proclaimed with trumpet sound 
From off the royal palace terraces! 

{Trumpets sound without. Procla?nation repeated,) 

Chorus. (Mob outside) Down with the Jews 

Down with the Jews! Down with the Jews! 
Death to the nation which dares to refuse 
To honor the laws of the king of the realm! 
Ho! Slaughter and plunder — Up! Slay, over- 
whelm 
In death and destruction the whole of the race! 
Ho! Death to the nation! We'll leave not a 
trace 
Of people so hated! With fire and with sword 
We'll kill throughout Persia the thrice cursed 
horde ! 

Officers of the Court 

Your Majesty, a deputation waits 

And asks thy grace to enter and be heard ! 

Kinff 
Did ever Persia's king refuse to hear 



Act III 73 

The prayers of his people? Bid them come! 

{Enter a deputation of Hebrews. King extends his 

scepter to the leader.) 

Spokesman 

Your Majesty, may Heaven bless thy pow'r! 
Thy servants, wt, the heads of synagogues 
And colleges, w^ere passing by the gate 
Of this thy palace, in the bridal train 
Of one who weds to-day the head of all 
The Jews within thy realm. O let us speak! 
Thy proclamation have we heard ! We come 
Entreating thee before it is too late, 
Lest word of thine shall loose foul massacre, 
Rapine and Hate, against thy Hebrew slaves! 
What have we done, — what is our crime? 

King 

Enough ! 
When once the royal word is passed, 'tis law! 
And by the law of Persians and of Medes, 
A law once passed can never be recalled! 

Chorus. In Anguish We Cry 

Father in Heaven, in anguish we cry 

To Thee, our Protector! O send from on high 
Message of comfort; O stretch out Thy hand 

And rescue Thy servants in enemy's land! 
O Thou Omnipotent, humbly we cry! 

As panteth the hart in his thirst for the stream, 
So sigh we for mercy, — Bestow but a gleam 

Of hope for Thy people. Thou, throned above! 
O haste to our Help, through Thy fatherly love! 

Father Omnipotent, humbly we cry! 



74 Esther and Harbonah 

( This chorus of the Hebrews may be repeated, 
while the mob outside sings as folloivSj the 
music of the prayer and the mob-chorus har- 
monising, while the courtiers blend the melody 
of the "All Hail of Earthly Kings.") 

Chorus of Mob {Outside). "The Ravens Shall 
Glut!" 

The ravens shall glut on the feast to be spread! 
The land shall be hid 'neath the heaps of their dead! 
The echoes shall answer their last dying cry, 
The flames leaping upward shall redden the sky 
And feed on their bodies, till furious and wild 
They end the whole nation, man, woman and child. 
Then down with the Jews! Ho! Death to the 

Jews! 
Ye gods of great Persia, bring death to the Jews! 

Curtain falls 



Scene II 

{Esther s apartment in the royal palace; couches, 
etc. Myrrhine and Zerdatha. Queen s Choir 
outside) 

Myrrhine 
Zerdatha, has the queen retired to-day? 

Zerdatha 
She has, at least I hope she has! 

Myrrhine 

And why? 



Act III 75 

Zerdatha 

Because the outcry raised against the Jews 
Fills all the palace. 

Myrrhine 
{Astonished) What is that thou say'st? 

Zerdatha 

Against the Jews? 

Why, yes! Hast thou not heard? 

Myrrhine 
Zerdatha, no! I prithee tell me all! 

Zerdatha 

The king, at Haman's pray'r, hath made a law 
That all the Jews in ail the realm shall die 
The thirteenth of the month Adar, the old, 
The young, the women and the children; and 
Their goods shall be the spoil of him who likes! 
When first he made the law that ev'ry man 
Should be the master in his house, they all 
Who heard it wondered what was meant! And 

now 
He makes a law to kill the Jews; a race 
So harmless! All Shushan is much perplexed! 
Myrrhine 

{Aside) Great heaven! Woe, my mistress! See, 
she comes! {Enter Esther) 

Esther 

{Takes seat on couch) 

For four years, aye, and more, have I been queen 

And never once the mystic cause that sent 



76 Esther and Harbonah 

Me from my childhood's roof have I forgot. 
But yesternight the old, old dream appalled 
Me with its vividness. In all the years 
That I have passed within these walls, not once 
It came to me until the night which just 
Hath fled! 

Myrrhine 
Your Majesty is sad to-day! 

Esther 

Myrrhine, the olden name hath sweeter sound! 

I love not state, and in my chamber 'lone 

With thee, I would have none of it! God know'th 

That I detest the glory of a queen! 

I hate this state! I loathe this wedded life! 

{Weeps J then rises in prayer.) 
O God! Thou know'st my heart, my agony! 
My queenship I abhor ! The crown, the robes 
Of royalty I never wear unless 
Compelled ! The court, the life, the food, I loathe ! 
Not once hath unclean food defiled my soul! 
Thy Holy Days, Thy Sabbaths, I have kept! 
But never peace of soul have I, Thy child, 
Once known since I was torn from Mordecai 
And dragged to this accursed agony 
Of gilded prison-shame, of womanhood 
Degraded! God of Abraham, my trust 
Is firm in Thee! Is firm in Thee! 

Myrrhine 

What ails 
My darling? {Leads her to a couch) 

Esther 

Yesternight I dreamt the dream 
Again. Thou canst remember it? 



Act III 77 

Myrrhine 

Ah, yes! 

Esther 

(Soft music) And when the mystic voice declared 

that I 
Was Hadassah the myrtle, soft I heard 
An angels' chorus sings "The time's at hand!" 
I started in my dream. I waked, and saw 
A brilliant flash of glorious light fly swift 
Across the sky! And since that moment, I 
Have heard the angels' voices ever chant 
"The time's at hand," "The time's at hand!" 

While I 
Am conscious of the helpless feeling which 
Before possessed me! Destiny is like 
A mighty torrent, carrying all with flood 
Resistless! How can I withstand it, if 
I would? (Zerdatha fans the queen as she reclines 

on couch.) 

Myrrhine 

{Comes forward) 'Tis strange that Esther dreams 

again 
The very night succeeding this command 
To slaughter all her people! Can it be 
That she is heaven-chosen, and designed 
To save our race beneath the peril which 
Endangers our existence? True it is, 
As Judah's sages teach, a Providence 
Protects the chosen nation, and to save 
Us watches ever! But is Esther queen 
To bring about our nation's safety? She 
Is queen because a dream enthralled her mind. 
That dream! Did Heaven send it? God will tell! 
Of old the finger of the Lord for us 
In Egypt moved; — perchance it moveth now! 



78 Esther and Harbonah 

Zerdatha 

Now if it please your majesty to call 
The royal singers, they will sing and chase 
Away the care which sits enthroned upon 
Thy brow, sweet Hadassah! 

Esther 

Aye — let them sing 
Without the chamber, that the music soft 
May sound, and be in more accord with what 
My heart now feels — misgiving — sadness — woe! 

{As she reclines, a few bars are played of the psalm 
for the house of mourning*) 

{Esther listens, startled and in fear. The choir 
hardly sings a line before she starts up with a 
cry, exclaiming) 

The song of death ! The song of death ! — 'Tis sung 

Where dead are mourned! Alas for Mordecai! 

He's dead! He's dead, — and I was not with him! 

{She buries her face in the cushions, convulsed with 
grief; Myrrhine and Zerdatha comfort her.) 

Choir outside. Psalm xlix 

"O hearken to this, all ye people, I pray. 

Both humble and high, aye, both needy and rich, 

All dwellers of earth, O give ear and attend! 

* This belongs to the class of melodies known as Al- 
martaye, from the Spanish "El Mortaja," "hymn of 
the shroud" (Sachs). Jellinek derives it from the Ara- 
bic, equivalent to Oratio funebris. (D. A. de Sola. 
Essay on ancient music of Spanish and Portuguese 
Jews, London, 1857). 



Act in 79 

My mouth shall give utt'rance to things that are 

wise! 
Mine ear I'll incline to the parable dark, 
And open my myst'ry with harps' sweetest chord! 
Oh why shall I fear for the darkest of days? 
Can guile of deceivers encompass me? 
The wise and the foolish all perish alike, 
The vile and the good, all are mortals and die." 

Myrrhine 

Esther, fear not! Rather let me send 
For Mordecai; he lives; he is not dead! 

Zerdatha 

1 saw him as he went from out the gate 
This very morning, for he passed beneath 
My lattice! 

Esther 

{Moaning) Send, Oh, send for Mordecai! 

Myrrhine 

{To page) Is Hatach there in waiting? {Exit and 
enter page) 

Page 

Hatach comes! {Enter Hatach) 

Myrrhine 

What news is there of Mordecai who sits 
Beneath the palace gate? 

Hatach 

The law declares 
That no man enters royal presence clad 



8o Esther and Harbonah 

In sackcloth or with signs of mourning. Thus 
Hath Mordecai departed from the gate. 

Esther 

{Alarmed) What's that thou say est! Go to 

Mordecai 
And take him clothes and bid him cast aside 
The sackcloth! Ask him what it is and why 
He mourns! {Exit Hatach) I feel, I know, some 

ill impends! 

Choir. Fret Not. Psalm XXXVII 

"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be 

thou envious against the workers of iniquity, 
For they shall soon be cut down like grass, and 

wither as the green herb. 
Trust in the Lord and do good ; so shalt thou dwell 

in the land and verily thou shalt be fed. 
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give 

thee the desires of thine heart. 
Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in Him, 

and He shall bring it to pass; 
And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the 

light, and thy judgment as the noon-day. 
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; fret 

not thyself because of him who prospereth in 

his way, because of the man who bringeth 

wicked devices to pass." 

Hatach 

Your Majesty, a message thus he sends, — 
That Haman promises to pay the king 
A sum of money that he may destroy 
The Jews, and thus it is expressed in this 
A copy of the law which thou'rt to read. 



Act in 8i 

Myrrhine 

{Takes the paper from him and reads:) 

"That all the Jews In all the realm shall die 
The thirteenth of the month Adar, the old 
And young, the women and the children, and 
Their goods to be the spoil of him who likes." 

Hatach 

And thus I am to speak to thee, the queen, 
From Mordecai, that thou must go thyself 
And supplicate the king to save thy race. 

Esther 

{Aside) My dream! At last, my dream! I go! 

Oh, fate! 
I go! Yet stay — {Hesitates) My heart misgives 

me — death 
Is said to be the penalty for those 
Who go unsummoned 'fore the king; then how 
Can I attempt to see him? I'll — No, I — 
Great God of Israel! What shall I do? — 
A woman weak! — I know not how to act! — 

{Pauses and thinks a moment) 

Say this to Mordecai: he surely knows. 
As all in Persia know, that no one dares 
To enter royal presence in the court 
Where king is throned, except that he be called. 
Nor man nor woman dare intrude, for death's 
Declared the penalty by Persia's law. 
And I for thirty days have not been called. 
Thus say to Mordecai, I dare not go! {Exit Ha- 
tach) 
But yet should not the myrtle dare the storm? 



82 Esther and Harbonah 

Oh! God forgive me! What is it I said? 

I go! (Cfl//^) Ho! Hatach! Call him back! Say 

true 
To fate the myrtle goes! Queen Esther goes! 
For God's my help — I go — O say I go! 

Myrrhine 

Be strong! O Hadassah! Alas, the day 
That thou didst leave the roof of Mordecai! 

Esther 

{Excited) No, no! 'Twas fate! 'Twas destiny, 

in truth 
'Twas God! Yes, Esther goes! I go! I go! 

Myrrhine 

Remember, Heaven never fails to save 
The sons of Jacob in emergency! 

Esther 

We'll pray for aid. {To page) Go, bid them sing 

the hymn 
Consigning us and all we have to God. {Exit page 

to choir) 

Choir {outside) 

Psalm cxxiii: I Lift Up Mine Eyes to the 
Mountains 

"I lift up mine eyes to the mountains, whence Com- 
eth my help. . . ." 

{Enter Hatach) 

Hatach 

Thus Mordecai commands me to the queen: 
"Imagine not within thy soul that thou 



( Act III 83 

Shalt find escape in palace walls of all 

The Jews. For if thou wilt indeed maintain 

A silence now, be sure enlargement and 

Deliverance shall rise from other source 

To save the Jews. But thou, thy father's house, 

Shall surely die! And who can know but that 

For such a time as this thou wert enthroned 

As Persia's queen?" 

Esther 

Return to Mordecai, 
For Esther knows herself again and now 
She falters not! And thus thou art to say: 
"Go, gather all the Jews Shushan can count 
And fast for me; aye, neither eat nor drink 
By day or night until three days be passed ; 
And thus will I and all my maids as well. 
Then Esther goes before the royal throne, — 
Against the law, — but Hadassah dares all, 
And if I perish, then I perish! Aye, 
At last I face my mission! Come the worst, 
Ye storm-clouds! I, the myrtle, first 
Shall break your strength with Heaven's aid! 
Come, fate ; come, fate, thy will is now obeyed ! 

Choir. {Concluding verse of ancient hymn) 

He is our God, our Savior He, 

Our sheltering rock in sad misfortune's hour, 

Our standard, refuge, portion shall He be. 

Our lot's Disposer when we seek His pow'r. 

Into His hands our spirit we consign 

Whilst wrapped in sleep, that we again may wake: 

And with our soul, our body we resign 

The Lord with us — no fears our soul can shake I 

Curtain 



84 Esther and Harbonah 

Scene III 

{King's reception chamber. King seated, Harbonah 
standing before him. Biztha, other chamber- 
lains , guards.) 

King 

{To Harbonah) It cannot be that Haman false has 

proved ! 
I'll not believe it! No! 

Harbonah 

Your Majesty, 
I know for fact well ascertained, that he 
Had dealings vile with Teresh and Bigtan 
And Marna. Two of these whom I have named 
Were hanged upon the gallows for the crime 
Of treason 'gainst thy royal life. The third 
Yet lives, and will confess that he was hired 
By Haman, then called Memucan, to slay 
A harmless Jew who truly loved a maid 
Whom Haman sought to wed! 

King 
Bring Marna now! {Exeunt guards) 

Harbonah 

{Aside) My chance has come! And fortune smiles! 

If now 
I poison not the royal mind against 
The hated Haman, may my God ne'er aid 
Nor more remember Harbonah's revenge! {Enter 

guards with Marna) 

King 
{To Marna) What knowest thou of Memucan? 



Act III 85 

Mama 

But this, 
Your Majesty! That I, with others two, 
Were by him hired. Their names, I well recall, 
Were Teresh and Bigtan, and both were hanged 
For foul conspiracy against thy life. 

King 

What service was required of thee? 

Marna 

To slay 
One David, son of Hur, whom Memucan 
Detested, and we slew him! 

King 

And what more 
Hadst thou to do for him? 

Marna 

No more. 

King 

Thou know'st 
No part of Teresh *s plot to take my life? 

Marna 

No, no, your Majesty! I never saw 
The man again! 

King 

{Musingly) That matters not! {Marna is led 

out.) It seems 
That Haman hired the traitors once! Then why 
Not once again? {To Harbonah) I'll try the man 

and thou 



86 Esther and Harbonah 

Shalt justice have! If it be true as thou 
Hast said, that Haman seeks the royal throne 
And would supplant me as is sometimes done, 
ril be more hasty to degrade him than 
I was to honor him! I'll lower him! 
I'll take his dignity, his all, his life! 
No traitor lives so close to Persia's king! 

{Flourish of trumpets; enter Hatach) 

Biztha 

Your Majesty, if now it please the king, 
Prince Haman waits without and craves to hold 
An audience immediate with thee! 



King 

(To Harbonah) Stand close behind me! {To Biz- 
tha) Let him enter now! 

{Enter Haman. Harbonah stands behind the king.) 

Haman 

Your Majesty, it is my pride to state 
That victory again hath crowned thine arms. 
The pirates of the West, from Graecia's coast, 
Who suddenly appeared when all was peace, 
Are scattered by the fleet I sent to fight 
The robbers who presumed to capture and 
To burn a royal treasure-ship which came 
From Rhodes. 

King 

We thank thee, Haman, for thy zeal 
And will reward thee! 



Act in 87 

Ham an 

No, your Majesty, 
I do not more deserve reward! 

Harbonah 
{Aside to king) That's true! 

Haman 
I have but done my duty! 

Harbonah 
{Aside to king) That is false! 

Haman 

{To the king) I fain would make thy government 

so safe, 
That with my care thou wouldst not have a cause 
To occupy thy royal mind except 
With pleasures ever new, and leave the cares 
Of state to me, the humblest of thy slaves! 

Harbonah 
{To the king) 

The cunning rogue ! He first would hold the reins 
Of sov'reignty beneath thy sanction, then 
He'd oust thee, and as sure as fate, thy death 
Thou'dst meet {Ironically) ''while seeking pleasures 

ever new," 
As he is pleased to term it! 

{Trumpets. Enter Hatach) 

Hatach 

Lo, the queen ! 



88 Esther and Harbonah 

Haman 

{Coming forward) The law forbids! 'Tis death to 

all who dare 
To come unsummoned 'fore the king! 

King 
(Suspiciously) Except 

The king extend the sceptre! But perhaps 
Thou would'st demand her life? 

Harbonah 
(Aside to king) As like as not! 

Haman 
(Confused) No, no! I think — That is — 

King 
(Coldly) Thou mayest go! 

We will excuse thee now! (Exit Haman) 
(To Hatach) The royal wish 

Is that the queen may enter! (Hatach bows; goes 
out to usher in the queen.) 

Harbonah 
( To the king) Did the king 

Observe this Haman's speech? He stammered like 
As if his treach'rous tongue gave way before 
Your majesty and would betray his guilt! 
Believe not that he wants her life! He wants 
The queen to grace the throne at which he aims! 

( Trumpets, Enter queen in royal apparel, preceded 
by trumpeters in state uniform, by pages, 
guards, etc. She is supported by Myrrhine and 
Zerdatha. As she enters the pages, etc., file 



Act III 89 

off. She hesitates at the sight of the king. Ac- 
cording to tradition she faints away.) 

Myrrhine 

{Whispers) Have courage, Hadassah. It is for life! 
Thou art the humble myrtle, Esther, thou, 
The myrtle-Hadassah, the myrtle thou! 

{Esther recovers , slowly advances. The king 
stretches the sceptre, which she touches as she 
kneels before him.) 

King 

What wilt thou, Esther, Queen of Persia, what 

Is thy request? It shall be granted. Aye, 

To half my realm what e'er thou'rt pleased to ask! 

Esther 

If it be good before the king, let him 

And Haman come this day to banquet which 

I have prepared for him! 

King 

It shall be done! 
The royal word is given; let the wish 
Of Esther be conveyed to Haman now 
At once! {Esther retires, procession files out.) 

Hatach 
Your Majesty, it shall be done. {Exit Hatach) 

King 

{To Harbonah) Did'st mark her word, good Har- 
bonah? She said 



go Esther and Harbonah 

A banquet which she had prepared for Him! 
Does this suggest collusion and a plan 
Already made, arranged between the two? 
What him? The king or Haman? Is her feast 
Prepared to honor me or him? — this him — 
It puzzles me — does it imply a plot? 

Harbonah 

No, no, your Majesty, the queen's too pure 
To link her hand with such a traitor! No! 
More likely Haman schemes and finds in her 
An innocent unconscious instrument 
To further his designs. He'd doubtless win 
At least her acquiescence in his plan, 
Contrive that she will compromise herself, 
Excite thy wrath, be slain and thus once rid 
Of one so faithful to thy interests, 
He will more easily enmesh the king! 
He loved her once — or did pretend ! Mayhap 
He loves her yet! Mayhap he'd gain her hand 
As price to save her loved ones from death ! 

King 

'Tfs well! 'Tis well! I'll keep a careful watch. 
I do not doubt the queen; but what thou say'st 
Of Haman, opens wide my eyes. {To courtiers) 

My friends, 
'Tis time the court concludes; we will adjourn. 

{As king leaves in state procession forms as in Act 
III Scene I.) 

Chorus. "All Hail of Earthly Kings the 
First" 

All hail of earthly kings the first! 
Long live the king, we cry 



Act in 91 

May all his foes be e'er dispersed 
Like clouds across the sky! 

As bend the boughs when tempest blows, 

As leaves in autumn fall, 
So bend and fall all Persia's foes; 

In vain for help they call! 

From lands remote the captives bring 

For tribute all their store 
To swell the treasures of the king, 

The conqueror in war. 

( The third or second and third verses may be omit- 
ted.) 

Curtain falls 



Scene IV 

{King's bedchamber. King, Harbonah, attendants. 
Choir outside.) 

Song. By Royal Choir. "Angel of ReST, 
Spread Thy Wings O'er Us Mortals" 

Quartette 

Angel of rest, spread thy wings o'er us mortals, 
Under thy shadow, O grant us repose! 
Bid with thy magic fly open the portals 
Leading to refuge from sorrow and woes. 

Chorus 

Haste, Holy Spirit, to weave with thy Pow'rs 
Sleep's sweet enchantment, where, sighing for rest, 
Mortals lie tossing through lead-footed hours, 
Praying to be with thy kisses caressed. 
Praying to be with thy kisses caressed! 



92 Esther and Harbonah 

Quartette 

Come, gentle spirit, with mystery soothing, 
Whispering respite to hand and to brain, 
Calming anxiety, pain's pillow smoothing. 
Charming the soul with thy heavenly strain! 

Chorus 
Haste, Holy spirit, etc. 

Quartette 

Paint with thy witchery dreams that will lighten 
Life's heavy burden of sorrow and care. 
Visions of happiness, visions to brighten 
Hearts that are darkened with doubt and despair! 

Chorus 
Haste, Holy Spirit, etc. 

King 

The poorest peasant in the land at night 
Reposes free from care, his work forgot 
In restful sleep! The slave who seems to live 
To toil, without the faintest gleam of hope 
For his release, save that which death can bring, 
Finds happiness, when bound in slumber's chains. 
He dreams of freedom, peace, his earthly home, 
The land from which by conquest he was torn, 
But I? Ten thousand demons torture me! 
I toss and woo sweet slumber's kiss in vain! 
The wealth of e'en a monarch cannot buy 
One night's repose like that which nature gives, 
When dashing through his fevered brain his 

thoughts 
Fly, whipping ev'ry power of the soul 
To mad activity! What is't to be 



Act III 93 

A king? Enthroned in state, surrounded by 

His courtiers, priests, and guards and slaves, he's 

more 
A solitary being than the fool 
Who laughs when any sunbeam lights the air 
And sets the dust-motes dancing! He can sport 
And find no peril lurking! I, the king, 
Must look askance at prince and slave alike! 
For danger, death, may crouch at ev'ry side! 
Suspicion, child of demon parentage. 
When once thy w^hisper's breathed within the soul, 
Thou poison'st ev'ry joy! Farewell to peace! 
All friendship, love itself must die! The light 
Of happiness which shines into the soul 
From out the eyes in which we love to gaze 
Is darkened! O for happiness! Fd change 
My royalty for peasant's cot, could I 
Be sure of happiness! I wonder if 
A king of Persia ever was beset 
With difficulties, perils, like I find 
So multiplied around me! {To Harbonah) Bring 

to me 
The chronicles of Persia. Read therein! 
I cannot sleep! Mayhap 'twill pass the time 
Until the dawn shall roll the night away 
And earth be waked to life again! 

Harbonah 

What part, 
Your Majesty, shall't please you to be read? 

King 

{Aside) My soul with jealousy is full, despite 
The words of Harbonah. {To Harbonah) I fain 

would know 
Did ever queen and prince plot death to king? 
Fd have those stories read which will set forth 



94 Esther and Harbonah 

The death of Persia's monarchs that were met 
By violence — {Aside) yet no! Why intimate 
The fear which now unmans me? {To Harbonah) 

Read to me 
The story of the war across the sea 
Where those brave men defended with their lives 
A narrow pass against my chosen hosts, — 
'Tis called Thermopylae in Grecian tongue, — 
I like a tale of bravery e'en when 
It is a foe that shows it! It will turn 
My thoughts! Perchance forgetting cares of state 
I'll glide into a sleep for half the watch 
That still remains! Yet, no! I'd rather hear 
The story of my reign. This Haman, how 
Did I advance him? 'Fore I made him great, 
Who was he? Maybe his career will show 
Why I have reason to suspect the man. 
Is he ambitious? Is he prideful? Or 
Does love of duty to his country and 
His king so spur his heart that he forgets 
His interests rememb'ring mine? Now read! 

Harbonah 

From o'er the sea came Memucan, new crowned 

With glory. And the mighty king desired 

To place him high above all princes, e'en 

'Fore those whose privilege it was to be 

Admitted to the royal presence. So 

By royal order and command, which none 

May change, it was decreed that Memucan 

No more should be his name, but Haman, prince 

Of all the princes. Thus was he to be 

Rewarded. Slaves and gold and precious things 

Should be presented in the royal name 

To crown with wealth the man thus singled out 

For honor. Time and season then were sought 

By lot, to find a most propitious day 



Act III 95 

On which to honor him with title new, 



And in the presence of satraps, pachas, 
High princes, governors assembled, give 
To him the sign of royal trust and love. 
The day was found, but 'fore it came, a plot 
Most vile against the royal life was told 
By Mordecai, a son of one of these 
Enslaved nations which are ruled by him 
Who first of earthly kings is throned in might. 
This Mordecai, of Yair son, whose sire, 
Shim'i, was son of Kish, revealed the plot 
To Esther, Persia's noble queen, who sent 
The word thereof to Persia's king. 'Twas sought 
And searched and thus two officers were seized ; 
Bigtan was one; the other Teresh. Both 
Were hanged. Then came the day when Ha- 
man 

King 

Stop! 
This Mordecai, was he rewarded? 

Harbonah 

No, 
Most gracious Majesty! 

King 

Who stands without? 

Attendant 
Prince Haman has arrived. He waits until 



King 

Then bid him enter. {Exit attendant) Read no 
more! Enough! {Enter Haman) 

Ah, Haman, ever watchful of thy king! 



96 Esther and Harbonah 

Dost thou in very truth deny thyself 
Of even sleep to guard thy monarch? 

Haman 

Sleep 
Can never bind the eyes of those who love 
The state and know their duty. 

King 

I have sent 
To ask advice of thee. What shall be done 
To him whom I desire to honor? Though 
Good Harbonah who stands so high among 
My trusted officers is present here, 
I ask him not. For know my mind is full 
Of what has just been read to me about 
Thy victories across the sea. 

Haman 
{Aside) Now what 

New honor doth the king design to give? 
And then to whom except to me? And last 
What honor do I need? Nor wealth nor slaves 
Nor dignity do I require. And yet 
I must say something! {Thinks a moment) Yes, 

my enemy. 
This Harbonah, I'll humble — he shall be 
The instrument of Haman's honor! Aye 
I'll please the king by asking modestly 
That which he can bestow! And more, my plans 
Shall be advanced to gradually show 
The world that Haman holds the reins of state — 
Then when the moment comes to kill the king 
My right to hold the throne shall none deny! 
{Advancing) Your Majesty, for him the man 

whom thou, 



Act III 97 

The king, delightest to give honor, thus 

Let me the humble servant of the king 

Suggest. The royal robe which thou, the king, 

Dost wear, the royal steed which thou, the king, 

Dost ride, the royal crown which thou, the king, 

Dost bear upon thy head, let all be brought. 

Let him whom thou wouldst honor be arrayed 

With these, the royal robes and crown, and placed 

Upon the royal charger, led by one 

Who stands among thy trusted officers 

Right high, and who shall loud proclaim before 

Him as he rides on horseback through the streets, 

That thus shall it be done unto the man 

The king delights to honor! 

Kinff 

Go then, thou 
And do as thou hast said to Mordecai 
The Jew. 

Ham an 

To Mordecai? (Aside) Ye gods, what fate 
Is this? (To the king) Your Majesty, be pleased 

to hear — 
What I — this sudden resolution — if 
It pleaseth thee, — perchance thou hast not 

thought 

King 

What aileth thee, Prince Haman — thou art pale! 
Thou seem'st confused! Didst hear the king's 
command ? 

Haman 

Forgive me! Many Mordecais there are — 

I would but ask which Mordecai thou mean'st — 



98 Esther and Harbonah 

King 

(To Harbonah) Announce to him which Mordecai 
I mean. 

Harbonah 

(Reading) One Mordecai, of Yair son, whose sire 
Shim'i was son of Kish. 

Ham an 

I go, O king, 
Rejoiced and honored at the sign of trust 
Which thou art pleased to place in me, thy slave ! 

(Exit Haman. With glance of fury at Harbonah, 
who bows with mock humility.) 

Harbonah 

(Advancing before the king) Your majesty, it is in 

keeping with 
His cunning, cunning which hath overreached 
Its aim and hath revealed not him whom thou, 

king, delight'st to honor — no, but him 
Who is a traitor foul! Your majesty, 

1 scarce could hold my wrath! O king, when first 
He heard thy words concerning him whom thou 
Desir'd'st to honor, why, his eyes were all 
Ablaze! His cheeks were flushed! His treach'rous 

heart 
Heaved quick his breast — he thought that thy in- 
tent 
Was honor fresh to heap upon himself! 
Now mark, I pray thee, what he asked ! Thy steed, 
Which prancing with proud mettle, walks as if 
He knew he bore earth's greatest king! And then 
With thy robes robed, and more, with thy crown 
crowned, 



Act III 99 

Prince Haman would be led through all the streets 
Of this, thy capital, by him who next 
Is ranked, and this high officer shall cry 
That thus is done unto the man the king 
Delights to honor. Mark him well ! He will 
Not wait until his wretched plan to take 
Thy life shall ripen to success! He fain 
Would show himself with royal state proclaimed 
To all the people, ruling in thy place! 
Thus all shall understand that he now sways 
Instead of thee the sceptre, and that thou 
Withdrawest from the cares of state. But not 
As he to thee within thy presence dared 
To lie, — that thou in pleasures ever new 
Should'st take thy ease — O king! {Kneeling) O 

mighty king! 
I scarcely dare to say what this portends! 

King 
I bid thee speak! 

Harbonah 

Your Majesty, my life 
Is thine! — 'Tis better thou should'st take my life 
Than that I should provoke thy righteous wrath — 

King 
Did'st hear me? Speak! 

Harbonah 

Your Majesty, the blood 
Flies seething through my brain! I dare not — 

King 

Speak! 

{Leaps from couchj seizes Harbonah by the throat.) 



lOO Esther and Harbonah 



Harbonah 



That thou art mad — Insane — thy reason fled 
And therefore for the safety of the realm 
Thou art deposed! — So Haman would pretend! — 
That thou must be removed from Persia's throne 
And must be placed where "pleasures ever new" 
Shall wait upon thy whims! As when they give 
Some wisps of straw to those whose sense hath gone, 
To weave as fancy pleases while they laugh 
A joyous laugh and look with dulled eye! 
This plan is not a sudden thought of his! — 
For many years his wicked purpose fixed, 
Determined, hath been to lead astray 
The minds of all thy faithful subjects! Thus 
He hath proceeded. Years ago, O king. 
Thou heldest counsel for the war with Greece. 
Then Haman noised It that weak cowardice 
Unnerved thee, that responsibility 
Thou shirkedst, so that. If defeated, thou 
Wouldst have no blame. Yea, more, that if thou 

call'dst 
From distant provinces some men who ne'er 
Had heard the name of Greece to plan a fight 
With her, then thou wert mad. Insane, unfit 
To be the king! And then a question rose, 
Whereon this subtle knave declared that thou 
Didst waste In riot and in wine the wealth 
Of Persia! At that feast he drugged thy cup 
And led thee to the bet that with the queen 
No woman's beauty vied. He egged thee on 
To send for Vashtl. Well he knew she would 
Refuse! For when did ever royal queen 
Display her face to drunken men? I heard 
The dastard say the king was drunk or mad 
Or both! Thus disrespect, the mother of 



Act III loi 

Disloyalty, he spread! Again he urged, 

With fawning voice and cringing words, to send 

The queen away, lest her example should 

Inspire all wives their husbands to despise! 

Thou didst comply! " Tis further evidence 

Of Madness," said the knave, "The king knows 

well 
The queen was right! He thus rewards her!" 

Thus 
He jeered thee! Then he bade thee summon all 
The maids from every home within thy realm 
To come to thee that thou might'st choose a queen 
Instead of Vashti. Thus to mutiny 
He stirred all fathers, brothers, lovers too! 
They cursed the king who'd rob them of their 

loved ! 
They swore defiance ! Then he crushed them down ! 
But cunningly. For soldiery he loosed 
By edict signed and sealed by thee, O king. 
While he declared he mourned for Persia's woe! 
The hypocrite! The traitor! Then he caused 
Thee to proclaim that every man should as 
The master rule in his own house! As if 
The world knew not this universal law! 
And thus again the traitor dared to hold 
Thee up for ridicule, for men to mock 
And women-folk to jeer. 'Twas then he tore 
From out her humble home of peace and love 
Thy queen, then gentle Hadassah, to stand 
With other maids for thee to see. 
Twas not to do thy will, it was to wreak 
Revenge because she would not be his wife! 
For he had sworn that she should be the toy 
Of some Satrap! And if by any chance 
She should be chosen to be queen, he'd find 
The means to murder her! 



102 Esther and Harbonah 

King 

What! Lift a hand 
Against my queen? 

Harbonah 

Aye, here's the letter which 
He sent — four lines will show his heart! (Reads) 

" 'Tis I 
Who tear thee from thy home, and if mischance 
Should place the crown upon thy brow, within 
A day I'd poison thee, I have the means!" 
And Hadassah, this simple Jewish maid 
Who spurned him in contempt for tempting her 
To break her promise to her dying sire 
And wed an alien to her faith, is now 
By fate, the queen, e'en Esther! 

King 

O ye gods! 
What mystery! What Fate! As he would seek 
To slay the queen, he'd also slay the king! 

Harbonah 

Then next he caused thee to proclaim a law 
That all the Jews in all thy realm should be 
Consigned to death — the old, the young, the men, 
The women and the children; and their goods 
Should be the spoil of him who liked. 'Tis hard, 
O king, to paint the mischief, misery 
And wrong which has resulted! All trade's 
Unhinged. The merchants will not trust, lest him 
They trust be proved a Jew, and then be slain 
By one who'd seize their goods. The Jews who 

hold 
Within their hands much commerce, and who give 
Employment, bread to thousands of thy slaves. 



Act III 103 

Those Jews so active and industrious, 

So bold in ventures, enterprises, say 

'Tis better that they realize and go 

To other lands, to Egypt or to Greece. 

Nor are their poor forgotten, for the rich 

Have joined their monies just to send away 

Their poorer brethren who are destitute! 

But mark the craft of Memucan! He stirs 

The cutthroats, murderers, and thieves and knaves 

To scent a harvest in the pillage of 

The Jews, and in anticipation, loose 

Their passions vile! The rich say they will miss 

The Jews who are the instruments where brains 

And energy and industry are asked. 

The poor declare that never do they lack 

For aid, nor suffer if they find a Jew! 

To give for charity is part of Jew's 

Religion. Thus it is that Jewish poor 

Become no charge unto the state. But most 

Of all, the honorable in thy realm 

Lament thy law to kill the Jews. Their crime. 

What is it? Are they traitors? Are their lives 

So lived that they disgrace the royal state? 

O that the Persian would but imitate 

Their purity! They are not drunkards, thieves 

Nor cutthroats! Never are they numbered 'mong 

The dangerous who lurk in every town 

To rob or move to mutiny! Their wives 

And daughters are most chaste. Their sons are true 

And most respectful to their sires. They love 

Their law. That law 'tis different, as said 

Prince Haman. Yes. Because the teachings of 

Their elders, teachers and their learned men 

Interpreting the law, impel them all 

To lead good lives. It makes them all good men, 

Good women and good subjects to their king! 

This law they study day and night. For well 



I04 Esther and Harbonah 

They know that if the study of the law- 
Should be neglected so that they become 
But Jews in name, instead of Jews in lives 
They lead, they'll lose the grace of God and man. 
'Tis thus the story of their history, 
That loyalty unto their law means that 
Their God "will bless, preserve them, cause His 

face 
To shine upon them and will grant them grace, 
That He upon them will His countenance 
Uplift, and give them peace," the greatest boon! 
O king, O mighty king, the people say 
That thou, to order death to all the Jews, 
The peaceful, law-abiding, active race, 
Who add so much unto thy kingdom's wealth, 
That thou'rt bereft of all thy senses! More, 
That if more evidence shall be adduced 
To show that thou art mad, thy throne shall be 
Declared vacant, and thyself removed! 
Then Haman rules for thee until thy brain 
Shall gain the power to think and wisely guide 
The state! When thinkest thou, O king, if once 
Prince Haman rules, thou wilt return to sit 
Anew upon thy throne? Thou know'st that death 
Will swiftly wait on malady, if he, 
A master of the healing art, direct 
Thy cure! He'd go forth now with thy robes 

robed, 
With thy crown crowned, bestriding royal steed 
To be proclaimed by thy command the man 
Whom thou delight'st to honor! That's to say 
The man whom thou dost designate to be 
Before all others honored! So that in 
Emergency, for instance, if by any chance 
Thy health should fail, thy reason lose its sway, 
Or if thy death should come, all men shall look 
To him whom thou delight'st to honor, to 



Act III 105 

Succeed unto thy royal duties. What! 
He said to wear thy robes and crown! It shows 
He now is ready both ♦the crown and throne 
To grasp! Already hath he issued laws 
With thy seal sealed, and not with his, to say 
That all the tithes and customs, tolls and gifts 
By which thy revenues are made, shall flow 
Henceforth unto collectors whom he names! , 

King 
By what right useth he my seal? 

Harbonah 

O king, 
Thou lentest him thy ring to seal the law 
By which the Hebrew race is doomed to die! 

King 

And hath he thus abused my confidence? 

Harbonah 

Behold a copy of the law thus sealed. {Draws 

from girdle a scroll) 
Demanding tithes and tolls! It saith 
That in thy absence Haman rules for thee 
By thy command! 

King 

I never said such thing! 
The traitor hath abused my trust! He dies! 
O friend most false! O hypocrite most vile! 
Foul parasite! The anger of a king 
Thou swift shalt know! Now leave me, Har- 
bonah, 



lo6 Esther and Harbonah 

Unto my thoughts. The night hath passed and 

sleep 
Hath fled from out my brain which throbs and 

leaps 
With what thou hast recounted! I will rest 
And think how best to crush this crafty knave ! 

{King reclines on his couch. Royal choir sings 
softly as follows:) 

Royal Choir. Hymn, ''To the Dawn"— "Lo, 
THE First Flush of the Rose-Tinted 
Morning" 

Quartette 

Lo, the first flush of rose-tinted morning! 

Vanish, ye shadows, that stalk in the night, 
Haste to your dens ere the light that is dawning 

Take from earth's children your life-killing 
blight. 

Chorus 

Welcome, O brightness, that heralds the morrow! 
Hail, Holy light, with thy brilliancies blessed! 

Bring to the suff'ring surcease of all sorrow, 
Bring renewed life to the sleepers at rest, 
Bring renewed life to the sleepers at rest! 

Harbonah {Stepping forward) 

Thou God, of whom I learned of Mordecai 
And learning thus, have learned to honor Thee! 
Thou art the God of Pity — that I know! — 
And if Thy will I would perform, I ought 
Myself to conquer, and I ought to show 
To Memucan my foe, compassion! Yea, 
I know that Thou art merciful, and I, 



Act III 107 

To do Thy will, should pardon e'en a foe! 
Great God! My mother and my wife he slew 
When I was absent! Me he falsely charged 
With treason ! All my children at his word 
Were strangled! — Through his lies I passed long 

years 
An exile, and of all that's dear bereaved! 
Myself he maimed, with maiming foul, most vile! 
Can I forgive a villain such as he? 
I must? Then was I wrong to loose my tongue? 
O, if my private wrongs have winged my words 
With venomed plume, while warning Persia's king 
Of public woes contrived by Memucan, 
Forgive me, O forgive me, mighty God! 
I was a savage until Mordecai, 
So good, first whispered me Thy Name! And 

now, — 
If hatred and revenge both tear my heart, 
God, pity me! I only am a man! 

Curtain 



ACT III 

Scene V 
{An anteroom of the palace) 

Myrrhine 
The Queen to-day a second banquet gives. 

Zerdatha 
Yes, so 'tis said, but where ? 



I08 Esther and Harbonah 

Myrrhine 

Thou know'st the hall 
Adjoining this, the minor banquet hall, 
It looks upon the royal garden. There 
The feast Is spread. But Haman tarries yet. 

{Enter Hatach) 

Hatach 

My ladles, if it please you, I would beg 

You wait upon her majesty. The hour 

Appointed for the banquet is at hand. 

And here Prince Haman comes, so late that word 

{Exeunt Myrrhine and Zerdatha. Trumpets 
sound.) 
Of urgent haste I twice despatched, for both 
The king and queen are angered through delay. 

{Enter Haman with attendants) 
{To Haman) If now it please, sir prince, I will 

acquaint 
Their majesties who long have waited you. {Exit 

Hatach) 

Haman 

{Soliloquizes) A chilling parting Zeresh gave me 

when 
I left! When I had told her all the strange 
Occurrence of the morn, how that the plan 
Concerning Mordecal was quite reversed 
And he whom I had thought to hang, instead 
I had to honor, speaking loud she cried 
(And she Is wondrous skilled in mystic lore), 
"If Mordecal is one of Jewish race 
Before whose star thine own begins to pale, 
Thou'lt fall before him!" — Then I'm hurried here! 
I learn the banquet waits, the king is vexed, 
And Harbonah in royal favor high 



Act III 109 

Is placed! As if the net were closing round 
And adverse fates were clamorous for me 
To be their victim! Worst of all, the queen 
At yestern's banquet called me Memucan! 
Mayhap it was mistake of hers, mayhap 
It was my fancy, but if Esther did 
In Haman recognize the Memucan 
Of old, my fate is sealed, for David's death 
Yet cries aloud against me! Ah, they come! 

( Trumpets sound both ends. Enter, h.. Pages, 
King, Harbonah, Guards. Enter, R., Pages, 
Queen, Myrrhine, Zerdatha, Guards.) 

Hainan 

{Aside) He gives me not a welcome as of old! 
He frowns upon me! What does that portend? 
Nor does the Queen bestow upon me e'en 
A glance! My heart is cold! Is Zeresh right? 

King 
{Speaks coldly) 

So, Haman, thou art here. {To Esther) Your 

Majesty, 
Your guest is present; shall we now adjourn? 

{Queen bows. King takes her hand, leads her to 
the banquet table which is disclosed by the 
scene opening upon it. Divans are ranged 
round the table which is brilliantly lit and 
Hatach and Harbonah take up position each 
side, Haman following King and Queen. He 
takes his place at the table on left of king; 
queen on right. Music meanwhile. Wine is 
handed which the attendants taste first, to 



no Esther and Harbonah 

show there is no poison. Or it can be dis- 
pensed with.) 

King 

I'll pledge thee, Esther. What would'st have of me! 

Petition or request? 'Tis done, to half 

My realm thou mayest ask. Thy word's my law! 



Esther 

{Coming forward) Your Majesty, another banquet 

waits! 
The guests are fire and sword, high treason, death, 
The ravens of the air, the dogs that roam 
The streets, the passions of the human breast! 
The music of the banquet Is the shriek 
Of men and women, tender children too, 
The roar of flame, the shouts of demons, aye, 
The cries of victims, and among them one 
Who sits on Persia's royal throne! 

King 

(Alarmed and passing before Haman to front) 

What? Death! 
'TIs treason! Harbonah! Ho! Guards! 

{Harbonah signals, guards advance to side of Ha- 
man.) 

Esther 

{Kneeling before the king) Aye, King! 

'TIs treason foul and dastardly, but not 
Against thy life, — I'd die to save thee harm! 

{Kisses king's hand) 



Act III III 

King 

What is it, then? Remember what thou ask'st — 

Petition or request! 'Tis done! To half 

My realm thou mayest ask! Thy word's my law! 

Esther 

{Still kneeling) If I have found before thee grace, 

O king. 
And if it please your majesty, oh spare 
My life at my petition, and the life 
Of all my people; this is my request! 
For we are sold; my people, I, to be 
Together slain, exterminated! Yet 
If we to servitude were sold I then 
Would silence keep! But no! The foe forgets 
The damage to the king! 

King 

Why, who is he 
And where is he, whose heart emboldens him 

To plot 

Esther 

{Interrupts; she rises to her feet and points to 
Haman . ) 

Thy foe, thy enemy, 'tis he 
The wicked Haman! 

King 

Eh? 

Esther 

{Staggers, is supported by Zerdatha and Myrrhine, 
who lead her to the couch) 

O saved ! My dream ! 
O myrtle, saved! {Falls on couch) 



112 Esther and Harbonah 

Kinff 

Some air! I cannot breathe! 
What treachery, what villainy is this! {Exit) 

Haman 

{Kneels before Esther; rudely grasps her hand, upon 
which Harbonah whispers to a page, who 
rushes after the king.) 

Oh, queen, forgive my wrong, and spare my life! 
What I can do to make amends, I will! 
But thou! O intercede for me! 

King 

{Suddenly enters , the page after him) What? 

Hold! 
The villain would insult the queen? Away 
With him to instant death! 

{Guards pinion Haman and throw a black cloth 
over his face; then stand on each side of him.) 

Harbonah 

Your Majesty, 
There stands in Haman's house the gallows which 
He made for Mordecai who saved thy life! 
'Tis fifty cubits high and 

King 

Hang him on't! 
Thou, Harbonah, call hither all the court, 
That all may see how Persia's king degrades 
A traitor, mean and cowardly, who's fed 
From out my hand and stung me in return, 
Not only by a base attempt upon 



Act III 113 

My life, but by insulting Persia's queen 
Before my very face! 

Harbonah 
{Bowing) The court attends! 

{Scene in rear opens and discloses courtiers, etc., 
who enter, R. L.) 

Esther 

Your Majesty, this Mordecai to me 

Is nearest kin, and he in place of both 

My parents, who are dead, has nourished me. 

King 

He shall succeed to Haman's honors all! 

Esther 

He now is here with all my dearest friends 
Of early days. 

{Enter all the companions of Esther. Courtiers in 
rear, friends across center, guards at side, Ha- 
man, L., Mordecai next. King centre, Esther, 
Harbonah R. Grand march while positions 
are taken.) 

King 

{To Mordecai) Thou, Mordecai, I know 

Thy heart's integrity and all that thou 

Hast done for me and Persia's queen. 'Tis ill 

Repaid by what I do, but yet 'tis all 

I can. I make thee prince in Haman's stead, 

The prince of all the princes, aye, the first! 

{Gives Mordecai the ring which a guard removes 
from Hamans finger.) 



114 Esther and Harbonah 

Mordecat 

Your Majesty, my heart is much too full 
To even thank thee! All my thoughts to God 
Are turned in gratitude, too great to be 
Expressed, for granting us deliverance 
So wondrous! Next to Him, to thee I give 
My thanks and shall with ev'ry effort strive 
To prove thy royal trust is not misplaced! 

King 

'Tis well, 'tis well! We will at once take steps 
To save thy race the Jews; for though a law 
Of Persia once in force can never be 
Repealed, we will its purpose nullify 
By publishing an edict to protect 
The unoffending nation. 

Mordecai 

{Loudly to all) Now if I 

Have any power as the chief of all 

Of Persia's princes, let my first command 

Be that we all unite in praise to God 

For saving thus His chosen race again! 

All in Grand Chorus 

Amen! 
Glory to God. Honor the Name 
Of Israel's Guardian, — Praise ye the Lord! 

Ye Nations All! {Psalm 117) 

Ye nations all, your voices raise 
In unison the Lord to praise! 
Ye peoples all, the chorus swell, 
And sing to Him in great Hallel! 

Amen. 



Act III "5 

Exceeding mercy doth He bear 
To us, His children, 'neath His care! 
His truth's for aye! O praise the Lord 
Who thus is worshipped, thus adored! 

Amen ! 



APPENDIX 

Note. Intermarriage 

Intermarriage between members of different 
sects produces often religious or social friction, apt 
to be intensified as the children grow up, and cer- 
tain to prevent much, if not all, of that family 
union in which men and women find the surest hap- 
piness in life. 

I have known this evidenced in intermarriage 
even between members of two different Protestant 
sects. 

Between Catholic and Protestant, intermarriage 
is strictly forbidden, as it is between Jew and 
Christian. 

Sermons reach but few. Therefore sermons on 
Intermarriage cannot affect the masses. 

Novels whose theme is intermarriage sometimes 
obtain wide circulation, such as ''Robert Elsmere," 
where incompatibility of religious ideas between 
husband and wife profoundly affects both, and 
**The Yoke of the Torah," where life is seared 
because one is a Jew and the other a Christian. 

The dramatic story of Esther presents the inter- 
marriage of a Jewess and a non-Jew. It affords 
opportunity to give expression to such unhappy re- 
sults of intermarriage as violation of religious ten- 
ets, family ostracism, social friction, trammelled hos- 
pitality, friendships cooled or alienated, patronizing 
toleration that galls instead of mollifies, contempt, 
ridicule, grief to parents all the more acute because 
silently borne; secret regrets for having given par- 
117 



ii8 Appendix 

ents pain, decay of religious consciousness, — these 
are some of the consequences. 

Hence the courtship scene between Esther and 
Memucan and the scene concerning Jered.^ 

Intermarriage fosters family disunion and com- 
pels the contracting parties to choose between re- 
ligious apathy, uncomfortable surrender of princi- 
ples, moral cowardice or cowardly hypocrisy. 

Neither family union nor true citizenship is pos- 
sible without spirituality or religion. Therefore 
intermarriage is to be sternly and uncompromisingly 
condemned. 

^The Frankfurter Zeitung contains some remarkable 
figures on intermarriage in Germany during the war. 
"From 19GI to 1913 the intermarriage of Protestants 
rose from 3 per cent, that of the Catholics about 4^^ 
per cent, while among the Jews it went up from 16.97 
per cent in 1901 to 30.98 per cent in 1913. Since 1914 
intermarriages have decreased markedly in the case of 
non-Jews, but the figures show an alarming increase in 
the case of Jews. Against every 100 unmixed marriages 
between Jews there are no less than fifty-three mixed 
marriages. The conditions of war which brought a 
great number of hasty unions is no doubt accountable in 
a measure for the abnormal rise. Whatever the causes, 
it will be interesting to see whether the process will 
continue to develop at the same rate when normal con- 
ditions are restored. 



m^ 




